Vadim Nemkov disclosed that kidney problems significantly impacted his performance in his 2022 fights with Corey Anderson, causing him to run out of energy after just one round. In sparring sessions leading up to the first Anderson fight, Nemkov would perform adequately in the first round but completely exhaust by the second, with teammates able to dominate him. After the first loss to Anderson, doctors eventually identified the kidney issue and found an approved medication that resolved the problem, which he still takes today. During a training camp in Thailand before the rematch, the same cardio issues persisted until the proper treatment was found. Nemkov has since eliminated all sports supplements including creatine, protein, and BCAAs from his regimen due to the kidney strain they cause, relying only on vitamins like omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and vitamin B. He reports feeling no worse without the supplements as long as he maintains proper nutrition and sleep.
Vadim Nemkov has revealed that an undiagnosed kidney condition robbed him of his cardio during his pair of fights with Corey Anderson in 2022, leaving him drained after just one round in both contests.
The 32-year-old Russian light heavyweight, who carries a 19-2 record, explained that the problem became apparent during sparring ahead of the first Anderson bout. Nemkov would perform adequately through the opening round before completely running out of energy in the second, to the point where training partners could dominate him. Doctors eventually identified the kidney issue after the first loss, and found an approved medication that resolved it — one he continues to take to this day. Despite receiving treatment, the same cardio problems persisted during a training camp in Thailand ahead of the rematch, until the medication was properly administered.
Corey Anderson, the 36-year-old American fighter who stands six-foot-three with a 79-inch reach, holds a 14-5 record and competes out of The Kennel Fight Club. He averages 4.43 significant strikes landed per minute and an impressive 4.89 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the more well-rounded physical presences in the light heavyweight division.
As a result of the kidney diagnosis, Nemkov has overhauled his supplement regimen entirely, cutting out creatine, protein powders, and BCAAs due to the strain they place on the kidneys. He now relies solely on vitamins including omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and vitamin B. He reports feeling no worse for the change, provided his nutrition and sleep remain in order.
Why it matters
- The disclosure reframes both 2022 losses, casting them in the context of a health issue rather than a straightforward competitive defeat
- Nemkov's long-term management of the condition could be a significant factor in how he performs going forward at light heavyweight
- The style contrast between Nemkov's precision striking and Anderson's high-volume grappling output makes any future matchup between the two particularly significant
