Russian MMA and Sambo fighter Vadim Nemkov clashes with Brazilian striker Renan Ferreira in Lyon, France, this Saturday for the inaugural PFL heavyweight championship. The title fight at the PFL Europe series 4 sees the 2023 PFL heavyweight tournament winner, Ferreira, as a massive underdog against the former Bellator Light heavyweight world champion, Vadim Nemkov. The Russian, a protégé of Fedor Emelianenko, has not lost a fight in nearly a decade and was the longest-reigning Light Heavyweight world champion in Bellator. Both are poised to produce an exciting matchup in Lyon, France, with the submission expert Nemkov looking to subdue the knockout expert that is Renan Ferreira.
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Vadim Nemkov vs Renan Ferreira Fight Details
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
- Time: 20:30 CET
- Venue: LDLC Arena, Lyon, France
Where to watch Vadim Nemkov vs Renan Ferreira Live on TV or Stream
| Country | TV Channel/Stream |
|---|---|
| UK | DAZN |
| US | ESPN App |
| Canada | DAZN |
| Nigeria | Supersport, DSTV Stream |
Vadim Nemkov vs Renan Ferreira Fight Preview
Vadim Nemko: form and statistics
Vadim Nemkov is unbeaten in fourteen fights coming into this championship fight. The 33-year-old Russian Sambist last lost a fight in 2016 when he was defeated by Karl Albrektsson via split decision at Rizin 1, in his return to light heavyweight. Following that setback, a second straight loss, Vadim Nemkov started the winning run that saw him claim the Bellator Light Heavyweight world championship with a second-round TKO of Ryan Bader in 2020. He successfully defended the title four times before vacating in early 2024. Nemkov’s light heavyweight run included victories over Philipe Lins, Corey Anderson, and Yoel Romero. The FedorTeam member is 2-0 in the heavyweight class, submitting Bruno Cappelozza in February 2024 and Timothy Johnson this January at the PFL Champions Series 1 in Dubai.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 33
- Height: 6'0"
- Reach: 75"
- Weight: 265 lbs (120kg)
- Record: 18-2-1 (NC)
Renan Ferreira: form and statistics
Veteran Renan Ferreira seeks to rebound from a devastating January loss to Francis Ngannou for the symbolic PFL Super Fights heavyweight title. That loss snapped a four-fight win streak that saw Renan Ferreira secure the 2023 PFL heavyweight title. "Problema's" résumé includes recent victories over Ryan Bader, Denis Goltsov, and Maurice Green, submitting Bader and Goltsov in the first round. A knockout sensation, Renan Ferreira has eleven knockout wins from thirteen victories.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 33
- Height: 6'8"
- Reach: 85"
- Weight: 265 lbs (120kg)
- Record: 13-4-3 (NC)
Vadim Nemkov vs Renan Ferreira Fight Prediction
The Team Nogueira member, Renan Ferreira, will likely start on the front foot, looking for the early knockout. His size and substantial reach will pose a problem for the Russian Vadim Nemkov. Although Nemkov has more knockouts than submissions, he has to rely on his grappling in this one, as it'll be an error to try to match the powerful Ferreira. Nemkov will use his superior grappling expertise to exert pressure and dampen Ferreira's striking. If we're lucky, we will get a first-round submission again from Vadim Nemkov. We predict over 1.5 rounds.
Vadim Nemkov vs Renan Ferreira Betting Odds
| Bookmakers | Yes, to start of Round 2 | Nemkov to win |
|---|---|---|
| Vbet | N/A | 1.21 |
| 1xBet | 1.7 | 1.21 |
| Betway | 1.7 | 1.21 |
