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Vadim Nemkov Dominates His Way Into PFL Heavyweight World Title

December 13, 2025 | Tom Albano

Having been a Sambo world champion, Vadim Nemkov made a name for himself in Bellator with its light heavyweight division, going on to finish Ryan Bader to become world champion. After winning the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix, Nemkov relinquished that title in January 2024 to move up to heavyweight. Since then, Nemkov, protegee of Fedor Emelianenko, has fought twice, submitting Bruno Cappelozza and Tim Johnson.

Renan Ferreira is a striking specialist who found success by winning the 2023 PFL heavyweight championship. That earned him the right to face then-Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader in an interpromotional showdown, going on to knock out Bader in just 21 seconds. This will be Ferreira’s first fight since getting knocked out by Francis Ngannou in their Super Fights heavyweight title fight last year.

Which of these two closes out PFL Lyon by becoming the PFL Heavyweight World Champion?

Round 1

The two circle around one another, feeling each other to start. Who’s gonna move first? It’s Nemkov, and he scores the takedown. Nemkov has Ferreira up against the fence on the ground. Nemkov lands a few left hands. Nemkov lands right hands. Nemkov now passes the half guard. Nemkov is still trying to work in the guard, landing on the head of Ferreira.

Nemkov now works his way into mount. Nemkov tries to set up an arm-triangle. Ferreira is defending it the best he can. Ferreira with a punch, and now he might have an armbar. Ferreira rolls and lands some heavy shots. Now he’s on top! Nemkov works his way back to the top by rolling. And now he’s got an arm around the neck. Nemkov has the arm-triangle choke locked in! We have a tap out!

ARM TRIANGLE IN THE FIRST ROUND!

Vadim Nemkov is now your #ANDNEW PFL Heavyweight World Champion! 🏆#PFLLyon | LDLC Arena, Lyon | 📺LIVE NOW on the ESPN app pic.twitter.com/cocO4pZ8CR
— PFL (@PFLMMA) December 13, 2025