Vadim Nemkov sets up potential Francis Ngannou super-fight after first-round demolition job at PFL Road to Dubai
01/25/2025 04:37 PM
With the UFC out of town, the eyes of the combat sports world are fixed on the UAE for the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series – and the event has certainly lived up to the hype.
Knockouts, submissions, underdog upsets and even a gruesome broken-arm TKO; the Road to Dubai Series has been a sensational way to kick-start a vital year for the PFL.
And in the co-main event of the evening, former Bellator world champion Vadim Nemkov opened the door for a potential super-fight against 'The Predator' with a sensational first-round finish.
Vadim Nemkov secures first-round submission win over MMA veteran
Former light heavyweight king Vadim Nemkov is now 2-0 as a heavyweight, extending his unbeaten streak to 14 with a fantastic first-round win over Tim Johnson at PFL Road to Dubai earlier this evening.
The Russian was an enormous favorite heading into the bout and this time, it's safe to say that the bookies got this one right, with the difference in both speed and skill obvious from the outset.
Inside the opening minute, Nemkov threw a lightning-quick high kick that grazed the top of Johnson's head – enough to open up a cut that immediately began spewing blood.
Despite finding his rhythm on the feet, Nemkov would then attempt to wrestle the ginormous Johnson to the ground and to his credit, Johnson was able to defend the vast majority of those shots.
However, Johnson could only break the grip of Nemkov so many times.
Eventually, the Russian's persistence paid off, forcing Johnson to the ground and after flattening him out, quickly locked up a rear-naked choke – the fifth submission win of Nemkov's career.
- THROWBACK: Francis Ngannou landed monstrous uppercut KO to win UFC debut and begin journey to superstardom
Fans call on the PFL to book Vadim Nemkov vs Francis Ngannou next
Almost immediately after Johnson tapped, MMA fans on social media began calling on the PFL to do whatever it takes to book Vadim Nemkov against heavyweight icon Francis Ngannou.
'The Predator' announced himself to his new promotion last October, scoring a vicious first-round knockout over Brazilian Renan Ferreira to claim the PFL Super-Fights Heavyweight Championship.
Whilst a potential Ngannou vs Nemkov bout is arguably the single biggest fight that the PFL could possibly put together, 'The Predator' has more than earned the right to call his own shots.
Earlier this week, PFL boss Donn Davies told MMA Fighting that he expects Ngannou to return to the realm of professional boxing before he fights again in MMA.
"If I had to guess, I would think boxing would be first given the opportunities he has. I don't want to say anything about that – that's his business for him to announce – but he has unbelievable boxing opportunities.
"So, I think that's more likely to come first, and MMA is likely to come second. But what I believe you'll see from Francis this year is one MMA fight in PFL and one boxing match from Francis. So, I think fans of Francis will see him do one of each this year."
Considering Nemkov's popularity and recent form, if it's not Francis Ngannou next, who would you like to see the now 19-2 former champion face next?
