A protegee of the legendary Fedor Emelianenko, Vadim Nemkov is unbeaten in his last 13 fights, which saw him rise up and become Bellator light heavyweight champion and Light Heavyweight Grand Prix champion. Nemkov, a former Sambo world champion, has finishes in 14 of his 18 victories, and defeated the likes of Ryan Bader, Phil Davis and Corey Anderson. Nemkov now looks for equal success at heavyweight, having defeated Bruno Cappelozza at the PFL vs. Bellator Champions card last February.

 

Before joining the MMA world, Tim Johnson saw success as a wrestler, joining that discipline at 5 years old before going on to become a two-time NCAA Division-II All-American. The Xtreme Couture product, who made his professional MMA debut in late 2010, has scored notable victories over Cheick Kongo and Matt Mitrione. Johnson, who takes this fight on short notice, has won three of his last four, defeating Danilo Marques but losing to Denis Goltsov during this past PFL global season.

 

Will Nemkov continue his mission to succeed at heavyweight, or will Johnson bring his momentum to a screeching halt?

 

 

Round 1

 

Both men pace around the center of the SmartCage. Low kick misses for Johnson. High kick lands for Nemkov. Johnson tries for a flurry, but Nemkov gets away. Another high kick for Nemkov. Johnson is bloodied in the center of his forehead. Nemkov with another kick. Kick to the midsection now. Nemkov avoids a Johnson flurry and scores a takedown. Johnson gets to his feet. A knee to the legs by Nemkov. Johnson is bloodied across the center of his head. Nemkov delivers more knees.

 

Nemkov drags Johnson away from the fence with a takedown attempt. Nemkov with a body lock from behind. Nemkov gets a hook in. Johnson tries to build back up, but Nemkov with a backpack position body triangle. Nemkov’s got the choke in and Johnson taps!

 

 

Vadim Nemkov makes it look easy with an impressive win at heavyweight here!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Vadim Nemkov def. Tim Johnson via first-round submission (rear-naked choke, 3:08)