Former UFC middleweight title contender Yoel Romero stepped into the main spotlight at the event 297- Masoud Friday night, challenging Vadim Nemkov for the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship.
Romero earned his shot at Bellator Gold after scoring back-to-back third-round knockouts against Alex Polizzi and Melvin Manhoef last year. Standing on his way to becoming champion for the first time in his career is Vadim Nemkov, a 16-2 fighter who has never been dated under the Bellator banner. Indeed, Nemkov has not suffered a loss in more than seven years. Protecting heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko seemed to keep that streak alive in Second City.
Vadim Nemkov appeared to be in control through the first three rounds, but Romero showed signs of life near the halfway point of the fight, landing some powerful blows that seemed to endanger the defending champion. Unfortunately, Romero’s moments were few and far between, with Nemkov’s speed dominating the competition. Romero was able to score a takedown in the last minute of the match but ultimately failed to do anything with it, leaving the contest in the hands of the referees.
The official score: Vadim Nemkov defeated. Yoel Romero via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)