Video: Vadim Nemkov Receives Hero’s Welcome in Russia After Winning Bellator LHW Title

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Белгород встречает чемпиона. @vadimnemkov Вадим Немков привёз в Белгород пояс чемпиона Bellator в полутяжёлом весе. #news_see_ #Немков #Россия #Bellator

A post shared by НОВОСТИ 18+ (@news_see_) on Aug 23, 2020 at 2:42pm PDT

Vadim Nemkov might still be underrated when it comes to recognition among the sport’s top light heavyweights, but that isn’t the case in his home country.

Nemkov received a hero’s welcome upon arriving in Belgorod, Russia, after winning the Bellator light heavyweight title with a second-round knockout of Ryan Bader this past Friday. The 28-year-old was greeted by an appreciative throng while carrying his newly-won belt at what appears to be an airport.

The 28-year-old dropped Bader with a high kick and finished his foe off with punches 3:02 into the second round of the Bellator 244 main event at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Nemkov has won seven consecutive bouts, a string that includes notable wins over Phil Davis, Rafael Carvalho, Liam McGeary and Philipe Lins.