Scott Coker: Vadim Nemkov Best LHW ‘On the Planet,’ Better Than UFC 205-Pounders

When it comes to the best light heavyweights in the world, Vadim Nemkov is at or near the top of most lists.

According to Bellator president Scott Coker, Nemkov solidified his spot as the best 205-pound talent with his dominant title defense against Yoel Romero in the Bellator 297 headliner on Friday night in Chicago.

“Nemkov to me is the best 205-pounder on the planet in any MMA league, including better than the UFC 205-ers,” Coker said at the Bellator 297 post-fight press conference.

“I think what you saw [at Bellator 297] was his speed, agility, his combinations. He can kick, he can punch, he can take you down, he can defend. He can do it all. I think that’s what you saw tonight.”

Romero, a former middleweight title challenger in the UFC, absorbed a lot of damage from Nemkov over the course of the five-round fight. Other than a late takedown and some attempts to lull Nemkov to sleep with a drunken master style, Romero struggled to author any moments of note. That, Coker says, is a testament to Nemkov’s talent.

“Yoel Romero is a scary guy,” Coker said. “If he punches you or gets on top of you, you’re gonna be in trouble. I think what you saw is the skill level of Nemkov. It’s impressive. The guy is really, really good.”

After his latest victory, Nemkov hinted that a move to heavyweight could be in the cards. However, Coker pointed out that a third bout between the champ and grand prix foe Corey Anderson might be worth exploring down the road. Anderson kept himself relevant in the title discussion with a split-decision triumph over Phil Davis in another featured bout at Bellator 297. Nemkov earned a unanimous decision over Anderson in the finals of the bracket at Bellator 288 after their first bout — which Anderson appeared to be winning — was ruled a no contest due to an accidental clash of heads.

“I know Corey wants to get a shot at him,” Coker said. “Think about that first fight, Corey was on his way to win that fight … They stopped it and it didn’t work out for him. The second fight didn’t work out. I think that Nemkov studied a lot of film on Corey and made a lot of adjustments. Does it deserve a rubber match? I think it does. But when and where, we’ll see.”