Vadim Nemkov turned in a much-improved performance in his rematch with Corey Anderson in the main event of Bellator 288.
Nemkov (16-2 MMA, 8-1 BMMA) picked Anderson (16-6 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) apart with sharp strikes and perfect takedown defense to retain his light heavyweight title and win the Bellator light heavyweight grand prix. As an additional bonus, Nemkov takes home a $1 million prize for winning the tournament.
With the win, Nemkov stretches his unbeaten streak to 10, and is now set up to face Yoel Romero at Bellator 290 in February.
Check below for the top Twitter reactions to Nemkov’s title and grand prix final win over Anderson at Bellator 288 in Chicago.
It's time for the main event
The main event of the evening goes down in the 𝒲𝒾𝓃𝒹𝓎 𝒞𝒾𝓉𝓎 NOW! 🏙️
In a highly-anticipated rematch and the culmination of the #BellatorLHWGP, @VadimNemkov takes on @CoreyA_MMA LIVE from the @WintrustArena. #Bellator288 pic.twitter.com/OY0qM8zCRw
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
Sean Sheehan
Nemkov is way more power based here in the rematch. It's working. #Bellator288
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) November 19, 2022
Luke Thomas
Wow, MUCH better job by Nemkov in scrambling to his feet.
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) November 19, 2022
Josh Gross
Sharp R1 for Vadim Nemkov, 10-9.
— Josh Gross (@yay_yee) November 19, 2022
Aaron Bronsteter
10-9 Nemkov after one.
Was a pretty close round until the knockdown, which sealed it definitively for Nemkov.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) November 19, 2022
Nemkov lands a big head kick
BIG drama to end round 1, as Nemkov drops @CoreyA_MMA.#Bellatorr288 LIVE on @SHOsports 📺 pic.twitter.com/ZRE8jcm6TH
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
Simon Samano
Nemkov damn near got himself disqualified! 😮 #Bellator288
— Simon Samano (@SJSamano) November 19, 2022
Nolan King
#Bellator288 is trending at No. 8 in the United States.
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) November 19, 2022
Matthew Wells
Probably 20-18 Nemkov here, but Anderson is very much in this. Fatigue could be a huge factor very soon. #Bellator288
— Matthew Wells (@MrMWells) November 19, 2022
Daniel Cormier
Anderson has to take this kid down!
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) November 19, 2022
Chris Taylor
Corey Anderson's right eye is busted up #Bellator288
— Chris Taylor (@CTaylor_96) November 19, 2022
Danny Segura
Vadim Nemkov has improved A TON.
Much more polished, he really tightened his game up at ATT. #Bellator288
— Danny Segura (@dannyseguratv) November 19, 2022
Luke Thomas
Anderson finding room for his own strikes after Nemkov goes. True for Nemkov's jab and cross.
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) November 19, 2022
Daniel Cormier
Nemkov isn’t throwing the right hand because you have to plant feet to throw it with power and when you plant you get taken down. Very smart approach by the champion
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) November 19, 2022
Ben Askren
Nemkov spit his mouth guard out 3 times now. Gotta take a point for that
— Funky (@Benaskren) November 19, 2022
Aaron Bronsteter
I have it 39-37 Nemkov entering the final round.
Anderson needs a big final round if he wants to win $1 million and the light heavyweight title.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) November 19, 2022
Ben Askren
I think Corey needs a finish or a 10-8 in R5
— Funky (@Benaskren) November 19, 2022
Bellator MMA
Nemkov looking strong in the final round!#Bellator288 LIVE on @SHOsports 📺 pic.twitter.com/5zk5UE6yY6
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
Johnny Eblen
Nemkov is putting on a clinic #Bellator288
— 𝕋𝕙𝕖ℍ𝕦𝕞𝕒𝕟ℂ𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕥ℂ𝕠𝕕𝕖 (@JohnnyEblen) November 19, 2022
Jason Floyd
Vadim Nemkov to win via decision was +600 on DraftKings Sportsbook #Bellator288
— Jason Floyd (@Jason_Floyd) November 19, 2022
The Schmo
Nemkov confident he remains champ #Bellator288 pic.twitter.com/DDljMK7zdQ
— The Schmo (@TheSchmo312) November 19, 2022
Danny Segura
I scored it 49-46, Nemkov.@MMADecisions #Bellator288
— Danny Segura (@dannyseguratv) November 19, 2022
Vadim Nemkov wins via unanimous decision
#Bellator288 official results: Vadim Nemkov def. Corey Anderson via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
Full results: https://t.co/6WhpAsgm0b pic.twitter.com/AYIm5bS8ck
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 19, 2022
Nolan King
A starkly different fight than the first outing. Fantastic bounce back for Vadim Nemkov. #Bellator288 https://t.co/Tj3Ta32lHw
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) November 19, 2022
Cris Cyborg
That was an amazing night of fights! @BellatorMMA back with a stacked card Dec.10th live on @SHOsports set your DVR now!
— CrisCyborg.Com (@criscyborg) November 19, 2022
Damon Martin
Vadim Nemkov vs Yoel Romero is gonna be a banger #Bellator288
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) November 19, 2022
Mike Bohn
Vadim Nemkov made a big statement with his performance against Corey Anderson. Fight with Yoel Romero will certainly be interesting. #Bellator288 pic.twitter.com/B3HDH5G0w5
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohn) November 19, 2022
The scorecards
#Bellator288 Official Result: C-Vadim Nemkov (16-2, 1 NC) defeated #1-Corey Anderson (16-5, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) to retain the @BellatorMMA Light Heavyweight Championship and win the BELLATOR World Grand Prix. pic.twitter.com/zGDETbITU9
— Bellator Public Relations (@BellatorPR) November 19, 2022
The $1 million grand prix prize
Vadim Nemkov is your $1,000,000 light heavyweight grand prix winner #AndStill the champion.#Bellator288 | Results: https://t.co/6WhpAsfOaD pic.twitter.com/MkdH9Qc7H9
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 19, 2022
