Vadim Nemkov has disclosed that kidney problems in 2022 severely impacted his cardio during his first fight with Corey Anderson. Nemkov says he would tire after just one round in sparring, feeling like his gas tank was empty. He consulted doctors, traveled to Thailand for training camp, and eventually found a legal pharmaceutical solution that restored his conditioning. Nemkov also revealed he has completely eliminated sports supplements from his routine due to the strain they place on his kidneys. He now relies only on vitamins such as omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and vitamin B, having cut out creatine, protein, and BCAAs.
Vadim Nemkov has revealed that a kidney condition in 2022 severely undermined his cardiovascular performance during his first meeting with Corey Anderson, shedding new light on a fight that raised questions about the Russian light heavyweight's conditioning.
Nemkov, 32, carries a 19-2 record and has established himself as one of the premier light heavyweights on the planet. Standing six feet tall with a 76-inch reach, the Russian fighter boasts a striking accuracy of 50 percent. He disclosed that the kidney problems left him so drained that a single round of sparring was enough to empty his gas tank entirely. To address the issue, he consulted medical professionals, traveled to Thailand for a specialized training camp, and ultimately found a legal pharmaceutical solution that brought his conditioning back to an acceptable level.
Corey Anderson, the 36-year-old American known as "Overtime," holds a 14-5 record and trains out of The Kennel Fight Club. Standing six-foot-three with a reach of 79 inches, Anderson is a physically imposing presence who averages 4.43 significant strikes per minute at 46 percent accuracy and a notable 4.89 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the more well-rounded threats in the division.
Beyond the kidney disclosure, Nemkov also confirmed a significant overhaul of his supplement routine. He has completely eliminated creatine, protein shakes, and BCAAs, citing the additional strain they place on his kidneys. He now limits himself to vitamins only, including omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and vitamin B.
Why it matters
- The revelation reframes Nemkov's performance in that contest, suggesting he competed at a significant physical disadvantage.
- His long-term kidney management and supplement changes could affect his durability and output in future camps.
- Any rematch or future booking involving either fighter now carries added context around Nemkov's health history and conditioning approach.
