Vadim Nemkov disclosed he suffered kidney problems in 2022 due to severe weight cuts, which significantly impacted his cardio during the Corey Anderson fights. Nemkov experienced extreme fatigue after just one round of sparring, a condition that persisted into his first bout with Anderson where he won the opening round but rapidly depleted in the second. After seeking medical help and training in Thailand before their rematch, doctors identified the issue and prescribed an approved medication that resolved his condition. Nemkov has since eliminated all sports supplements from his regimen including creatine, protein, and BCAAs, now only taking vitamins like omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and vitamin B. He reports feeling no worse without the supplements and emphasizes proper nutrition and sleep as the keys to his current health.
Vadim Nemkov has revealed that a kidney condition stemming from severe weight cuts in 2022 significantly hampered his performance during his two-fight series with Corey Anderson, explaining physical struggles that were visible during those bouts.
The Russian light heavyweight, now 32 years old and carrying a professional record of 19 wins and 2 losses, disclosed that the kidney issues left him exhausted after a single round of sparring, a level of fatigue that carried directly into his first meeting with Anderson. Nemkov won the opening round of that contest but faded badly in the second as his cardio gave out. He sought medical attention and traveled to Thailand to train ahead of the rematch, where doctors finally identified the problem and prescribed an approved medication that resolved it. Standing six feet tall with a 76-inch reach and a striking accuracy of 50 percent, Nemkov is widely regarded as one of the premier fighters in the light heavyweight division.
His opponent in those fights, American contender Corey Anderson, is 36 years old and holds a record of 14 wins and 5 losses. Known by the nickname "Overtime," Anderson is a physically imposing presence at six-foot-three with a reach of 79 inches. He averages 4.43 significant strikes per minute at a 46 percent accuracy rate and generates a substantial takedown threat at nearly five attempts per 15 minutes, making him one of the more well-rounded challengers in the division.
Why it matters
- Nemkov's disclosure reframes the Anderson fights, suggesting his physical condition was a major factor rather than any gap in competitive level
- The kidney diagnosis and subsequent treatment indicate Nemkov's weight-cutting approach has been fundamentally restructured
- His decision to eliminate creatine, protein supplements, and BCAAs in favor of basic vitamins, omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and vitamin B signals a long-term lifestyle change rather than a short-term fix
