One of the biggest names outside the UFC won’t be heading to the Octagon, and many fans are not happy about it…
The UFC has made waves in recent times with some prominent signings. Most notable have been the arrivals of many ex-Bellator standouts.
In addition to the legendary Patricio Pitbull arriving in the UFC this year and going 1-1 thus far, former bantamweight champion Patchy Mix joined the roster. Most recently, UFC 319 saw the debut of Aaron Pico in the featherweight division.
Still to come are debuts for ex-KSW stars Robert Ruchala and Jakub Wiklasz, sparking talk of an improved policy in the UFC for signings from rival promotions. That, however, looks to have come crashing down after one of the hottest free agents in the sport chose to sign elsewhere.
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Vadim Nemkov re-signs with PFL after UFC interest brings uninspiring offer
News emerged Wednesday surrounding the future of Vadim Nemkov, Bellator’s longest-reigning light heavyweight champion. The Russian moved to heavyweight in 2024 and reeled off two wins over Bruno Cappelozza and Tim Johnson under the PFL banner.
The 33-year-old’s contract expired after his latest fight this past January, and talk immediately turned to a potential future in the UFC. But Nemkov has instead re-signed with the PFL, agreeing to a new two-year deal.
He announced the news in an interview with Ushatayka before PFL founder Donn Davis confirmed it on social media. Nemkov revealed talks with the UFC collapsed when he was offered just half of what the PFL put on the table.
Dana White’s promotion allegedly justified the low offer by claiming they simply do not need more Russian athletes.
“Now I have signed a new contract with the PFL,” Nemkov said (h/t Fight Time). “When the previous one ended, there were negotiations with the UFC, but there were misunderstandings, plus the conditions were twice as bad as in the PFL.
“If I were 20-25 years old, I would probably go to the UFC, but they made it clear to me that they are not particularly interested in fighters from Russia.
“They said that fighters from Russia are not needed yet, because tournaments are not held, broadcasts do not really make money, and there are already many champions,” Nemkov added.
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Fans fume at UFC for not signing Vadim Nemkov
News of Nemkov’s return to the PFL and the UFC’s reasoning for not doing more to bring him over to the Octagon quickly spread on social media.
Suffice to say, many fans are not happy that the sport’s leading promotion missed out on a name branded a viable threat to heavyweight king Tom Aspinall by some.
“Remember when the UFC tried to tell you it was where the best fought the best?”
“What is UFC’s beef with Team Fedor? Nemkov is like the only dude that could give Aspinall a run for his money at this point. Insane non-signing.”
“UFC wants to sign guys off DWCS that they can pay 12K/12K… they’re not interested in paying for the best talent available.”
“That’s disappointing.”
“It’s disappointing to see the UFC pull this card, specifically for fighters in weight classes that lack talent and depth.”
“The UFC is a complete joke. You’re willfully ignorant if you think otherwise. The best mixed martial artists do not fight in the company. In fact, they don’t even exist.”
“Pay offer was half of PFL’s….UFC not even really trying any more…dumping folks like Mokaev, Buday, Battle with 7-0, 7-1, 7-1 records.”
“What a shame. Would have loved to see Nemkov in the UFC.”
“Unserious Fighting Championships.”