Vadim Nemkov is proclaiming himself the greatest active light heavyweight on Earth.
Nemkov made history at Bellator 244, becoming the first Russian Bellator light heavyweight champion. He achieved the status by dethroning Ryan Bader by second-round TKO.
That victory was a huge one for Nemkov, who says he is the #1 light heavyweight in the world right now.
“I feel like with all the changes going on in the 205-pound division and the caliber of opponent I just beat (the guy is a two-time champion in two different weight classes), I feel like I’m No. 1 right now,” Nemkov said after the event (via Nolan King of MMA Junkie). “To back up why I’m saying this, I didn’t just go through five rounds of a fight. I finished a top, top contender, in decisive manner in two rounds. I feel like I’m No. 1.”
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones congratulated Nemkov after the win and Nemkov has thanked him in return.
“I just want to thank him,” Nemkov said. “It means a lot to hear, especially from such a legend as Jon Jones.”
The champion also said in the post-fight interview that his first title defense will probably come against the winner of Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida II, which is the main event of Bellator 245.
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