The Professional Fighters League isn\u2019t absent from criticism either as \u2018Big\u2019 John McCarthy recently advised the PFL to cut the heavyweight division since Ngannou \u2018isn\u2019t doing anything\u2019<\/a> for the promotion.<\/p>\n McCarthy did mention there were a few solid heavyweights on the PFL roster, namely Vadim Nemkov<\/a>, who left the promotion after defeating former UFC and Bellator heavyweight Tim Johnson in January.<\/p>\n Some fans believed Nemkov\u2019s next stop would be the big show in UFC<\/a> but it looks like the former Bellator light heavyweight champion isn\u2019t going anywhere.<\/p>\n On Wednesday, founder Donn Davis wrote on X<\/a> that the PFL has re-signed Vadim Nemkov to a multi-year promotional contract.<\/p>\n Nemkov\u2019s new PFL deal expires at the end of 2027, meaning he won\u2019t be able to negotiate with the UFC or other rival promotions until 2028.<\/p>\n What does Nemkov coming back mean for the PFL? Two words. Francis Ngannou<\/a>.<\/p>\n Davis included the former UFC heavyweight champion as one of three potential opponents for Nemkov\u2019s return, along with 6\u20198\u2033 Renan Ferreira<\/a>, recent heavyweight tournament winner Oleg Popov, and a mysterious new signing who has yet to be announced.<\/p>\n Davis claimed Nemkov is a consensus top 10 heavyweight and it\u2019s hard to deny, given his resume (see below).<\/p>\n Nemkov is a very well-rounded fighter with excellent takedown defense and brutal leg kicks, which he\u2019s finished former Bellator champion Liam McGeary with. Nemkov\u2019s last two PFL fights ended by submission.<\/p>\n Nemkov will be 35 years old when his newly-signed PFL contract ends.<\/p>\n Vadim Nemkov has a pretty stellar resume outside UFC<\/p>\n Nemkov is by far one of the most underrated fighters on the planet.<\/p>\n While he has yet to step into the Octagon, the Fedor Emelianenko proteg\u00e9 has defeated a slew of former top UFC contenders like Yoel Romero<\/a>, Corey Anderson<\/a>, Ryan Bader, and Phil Davis (twice).<\/p>\n At 33, Nemkov has defeated six former world champions in his career. The Russian had four successful title defenses in Bellator and didn\u2019t lose once in his ten fights there.<\/p>\n Most of Nemkov\u2019s fights are at light heavyweight but he\u2019s looked unstoppable at heavyweight so far.<\/p>\n Nemkov\u2019s pro record is 19-2, with one of those losses coming to former UFC champion and #2-ranked light heavyweight contender Jiri Prochazka<\/a> a decade ago.<\/p>\n It was no ordinary TKO loss, however, as the first RIZIN round lasted ten minutes long rather than the standard five you see in UFC. Nemkov lost by retirement.<\/p>\n![\"Vadim](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-2036557004-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by Cooper Neill\/Getty ImagesVadim Nemkov re-signs with PFL, UFC won\u2019t be able to get him until 2028<\/p>\n