Ryan Bader defends light heavyweight title against Vadim Nemkov at Bellator 244, this Friday

S. Coker (center) between R. Bader (left) and V. Nemkov (right) who fight for the light heavyweight belt in the Bellator 244. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Considered one of the biggest names in the organization's recent history, Ryan bader performs again this Friday (21), in Uncasville (USA), at Bellator 244, when he defends his position as light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg.), against the dangerous Vadim nemkov. Undefeated in the organization, the North American, who is also the leader of the heavyweights (up to 120,2kg.) tries to maintain his title in the company.

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Debuting for Bellator in 2017, the former UFC fighter won his first belt on his debut, when he defeated Phil Davis for points in the event that was headlined by Wanderlei Silva e Chael Sonnen. After winning the title, Bader never lost again.

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Since then, there have been five appearances, achieving three knockouts. The last one, in January last year, against the legendary Fedor Emelianenko, which earned him the heavyweight belt and the position of the first athlete with two simultaneous titles in the organization.

This Friday, Ryan will have a new strong opponent in front of him. The North American will exchange forces with the pupil of his last rival, Vadim nemkov, who is also undefeated in Bellator and hasn't known what it's like to lose since April 2016.

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At 28 years old, the Russian is known for his knockout power. In 11 career victories, Nemkov went to the judges' decision only once, in November 2018, when he beat Phil Davis by points. In his last performance, Vadim defeated the Brazilian Raphael Carvalho, in the main fight of Bellator 230, in October last year, which qualified him to face Bader.

Champion since 2017, Ryan, 37, has not performed since September last year, when he faced Cheick Kongo in a clash that ended without result, after the heavyweight title challenger accused an illegal poke in the eye. With the interruption in the first round, Bader continued as the company's title.

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Other attractions

In addition to the long-awaited title fight, the Bellator 244 will promote the return of julia budd to the cage. Former featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg) of the organization, the Canadian has not performed since she lost her position as division leader in the clash against the Brazilian Chris Cyborg, which debuted at the company.

This Friday, Budd will exchange forces against the American Jessica Miele, who arrives in her second fight with the organization's gloves.

Anyone who has been following MMA for a long time will certainly remember Roy Nelson. The big veteran, former UFC fighter, will be fighting his 42nd career and his sixth for Bellator. Although his recent record is not positive, the 10-year-old TUF (The Ultimate Fighter) 44 champion is hoping to bounce back against young Valentin Moldavsky, who is undefeated in the organization in four fights.

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