Bellator 244: Watch Nemkov Blast Bader With Head Kick, Take LHW Belt

Ryan Bader had yet to lose under the Bellator banner, since the UFC veteran moved to the promotion in 2017. But, Vadim Nemkov changed all that at Bellator 244 on Friday, and as a result, he’s holding the light heavyweight title.

Nemkov takes out Bader

The 28 year-old Russian was tapped to face the 37 year-old Bader as a result of winning his first four bouts with Bellator. As you can see by watching the clip below, Nemkov (12-2) dropped the American with a thumping head kick in round two, and then brought about the stoppage with follow up punches.

Bader (27-6) had gone undefeated in eight straight bouts, prior to facing Nemkov, and that run included him winning Bellator’s heavyweight title as well. Bader knocked out the legendary Fedor Emelianenko in the 2019 finals of Bellator’s heavyweight grand prix to win that belt, who is a training partner of Nemkov’s.

Bellator 244 results

Here are the complete results for Bellator 244, which took place in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Vadim Nemkov def. Ryan Bader via TKO (strikes) – R2, 3:03
Julia Budd def. Jessy Miele via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Valentin Moldavsky def. Roy Nelson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
John Salter def. Andrew Kapel via submission (arm-triangle choke) – R3, 3:11
Yaroslav Amosov def. Mark Lemminger via TKO (doctor stoppage) – R1, 5:00
Sidney Outlaw def. Adam Piccolotti via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Josh Hill def. Erik Perez via unanimous (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Weber Almeida def. Salim Mukhidinov via knockout (punches) – R1, 3:57
John de Jesus def. Vladyslav Parubchenkno via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Chris Gonzalez def. Vladimir Tokov via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Lucas Brennan def. Will Smith via TKO (punches) – R2, 4:14

Results via MMA Junkie