Ryan Bader will make his return on May 9, 2020, as the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion will defend his prestigious belt against Vadim Nemkov in San Jose, California.
Since capturing the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship back in June 2017, the Ultimate Fighter Season 8 winner has beaten Linton Vassell, Muhammed Lawal (King Mo), Matt Mitrione, and Fedor Emelianenko. Bader defeated Emelianenko to win the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix and captured the vacant World Heavyweight Championship. The two-division champion’s professional record stands at 27 wins, 5 losses, and 1 no contest.
Vadim Nemkov enters the championship bout on a strong six-fight winning streak, with his last win coming over Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 230 in October 2019. The heavyweight has yet to secure a title within any promotion; however, Nemkov has gotten impressive victories over fighters such as Liam McGeary, Philipe Lins, and Mikołaj Różanski. Nemkov’s professional record stands at 11 wins and 2 losses.
The main card for Bellator San Jose will simulcast on Paramount Network and DAZN at 10 p.m. ET with more fights to be announced at a later date.