Vadim Nemkov says Yoel Romero’s durability was ‘weird’

CHICAGO – Vadim Nemkov thinks he’s cleaned out the Bellator mild heavyweight division and is now contemplating a transfer as much as face the large boys after Bellator 297.

Nemkov (17-2 MMA, 9-0 BMMA) placed on a masterclass on Friday when he dominated Yoel Romero (15-7 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) for nearly 5 full rounds to win a lopsided unanimous decision of their foremost occasion showdown at Wintrust Enviornment. It was his fifth consecutive title protection, and made the Russian simply the fourth in Bellator historical past to begin a promotional tenure on a 10-fight unbeaten streak.

The 30-year-old received the 205-pound grand prix previous to defeating Romero, and his defeated all essentially the most notable contenders in his division – some twice. Due to that, Nemkov is mulling a bounce to heavyweight the place he might face better challenges.

“I’m among the best mild heavyweights on the earth,” Nemkov informed MMA Junkie and different reporters via an interpreter post-fight at Bellator 297. “I don’t assume there’s any problem for me within the mild heavyweight division, so I could attempt myself in heavyweight division now, as a result of there’s nobody else to struggle there.”

Nemkov had his method with Romero within the cage at Bellator 297. Though the challenger was arguably past his prime at 46 years outdated, Romero’s energy and athleticism makes him a hazard in any struggle. He solely had a couple of small moments over 25 minutes, although, and that was as a result of Nemkov was overwhelming together with his tempo, stress and output.

The champion landed some clear and highly effective pictures on a number of events, and he admits to be being shocked not solely by Romero’s potential to take injury, however the truth he would attempt to taunt him.

“I used to be stunned about his head,” Nemkov mentioned. “It’s actually sturdy. There was a whole lot of nice pictures that I landed that I felt via the glove. It was form of bizarre that he didn’t get injured or something. On the finish of the second spherical I believed I obtained him, however then I understood he was performing.”

If Nemkov does transfer as much as heavyweight, a well-recognized foe holds the title. He already took one belt from Ryan Bader, who was a simultaneous two-division champion earlier than Nemkov emerged and took over at mild heavyweight with a second-round TKO win in August 2020.

Earlier than he makes any agency choices on his future, although, Nemkov mentioned he needs to relish beating Romero, who he has admired for years.

“I’m very pleased about this win,” Nemkov mentioned. “It was crucial to me. He’s an excellent fighter. He’s a legend. He’s an Olympian, so to win over any person like him who was preventing with a whole lot of nice fighters, prime fighters, it means lots to me.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for Bellator 297.