Vadim Nemkov vs. Tim Johnson: Live round-by-round updates
Former Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov plans to make Tim Johnson his latest heavyweight victim.
Between 2017 and 2023, Nemkov solidified himself as one of the best light heavyweight MMA fighters on the planet while competing for Bellator. In early 2024, the Russian powerhouse decided to move up to heavyweight, defeating Bruno Cappelozza by second-round submission at the PFL vs. Bellator event.
On Saturday, January 25, Nemkov's next heavyweight opponent will be Johnson, a 28-fight veteran who's fought in the UFC, PFL, and Bellator. Johnson last fought in August 2024, suffering a first-round loss against Denis Goltsov to end his three-fight winning streak.
Nemkov and Johnson both have something to prove at Saturday's PFL event. Nemkov, aged 32, looks to showcase why he's a legitimate contender in the heavyweight division, while Johnson wants to prove he has plenty of gas left in the tank at 39 years old.
PFL Road To Dubai Champions Series: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes will feature eleven fights, including the Bellator lightweight title main event between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes. The event will air live on MAX on Saturday, January 25, starting at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. CT.
Vadim Nemkov vs. Tim Johnson is scheduled as the second to last matchup (co-main event), which is expected to take place roughly three hours after the event begins. The heavyweight bout could start sooner or later depending on the pacing of the other fights.
Watch the final faceoff between Nemkov and Johnson below:
Vadim Nemkov vs. Tim Johnson
Round 1:
Vadim Nemkov vs. Tim Johnson is underway. Johnson bites on a heavy feint from Nemkov. Nemkov is slowly inching forward to set up an explosive attack. Johnson leans down and eats a massive head kick.
Johnson is bleeding from his forehead due to the head kick. Johnson eats another head kick. Johnson is attempting to move forward and find some success. Nemkov uses his speed to avoid Johnson's strikes.
Nemkov takes down Johnson for a moment. Johnson gets back to his feet and pushes up against the cage. Nemkov brings him back to the ground before Johnson returns his feet for a second time.
Nemkov knees Johnson's legs several times before taking him down again. Nemkov easily rotates to back control. Johnson is trying to stand up. Nemkov locks in a rear-naked choke. Johnson taps. This one is over.
Official Result: Vadim Nemkov def. Tim Johnson by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 1, 3:08