Former Bellator Champ Vadim Nemkov Re-Signs Multi-Fight Deal With PFL

Vadim Nemkov, a top-ranked MMA fighter and former Bellator light heavyweight champion, has re-signed a multi-fight, two-year contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), rejecting an offer from the UFC that he described as significantly less lucrative. Despite being one of the best fighters outside the UFC and having an impressive record with notable wins, Nemkov stated that the UFC showed less interest in Russian fighters and offered worse contract terms compared to PFL. He acknowledged that if he were younger, he might have considered the UFC, but currently prefers to stay with PFL, though he has not ruled out a future UFC move after his current contract ends. Nemkov's decision to remain with PFL is seen as a positive development for the promotion following its acquisition of Bellator and the departure of several high-profile fighters to UFC. PFL CEO Donn Davis highlighted possibilities of big upcoming fights for Nemkov against top heavyweights like Francis Ngannou. The UFC continues to have prominent Russian champions, but its approach to signing big-name Russian fighters like Nemkov has been questioned by some observers as potentially biased or financially conservative.