Vadim Nemkov and Corey Anderson will square off for a third time at Bellator Champions Series: Road to Dubai.
With Ante Delija out, Nemkov (17-2-1) now faces Anderson (18-6-1) in a heavyweight bout Jan. 25 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, promotion officials announced Wednesday.
Nemkov and Anderson fought twice before in title fights. Their first outing in the Bellator grand prix final in April 2022 ended in a no contest after an accidental headbutt rendered Nemkov unable to continue. Anderson was largely in control before the inadvertent clash of heads ended the fight in Round 3.
The pair ran things back seven months later when Nemkov was able to outpoint Anderson to win a unanimous decision at Bellator 288. Anderson rebounded with a win over Phil Davis at Bellator 297 and on the same night, Nemkov successfully defended his light heavyweight title against Yoel Romero.
However, Anderson couldn’t get his desired rubber match after Nemkov opted to vacate his title and move up to heavyweight. As a result, Anderson claimed the vacant light heavyweight title by beating Karl Moore at Bellator Champions Series: Belfast last March. Meanwhile, Nemkov submitted Bruno Cappelozza in the second round to capture the PFL vs. Bellator Super Belt in his return to heavyweight.
With the addition, the current lineup includes:
- Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes – for lightweight title
- Corey Anderson vs. Vadim Nemkov
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator Champions Series: Road to Dubai.
