Vadim Nemkov disclosed that kidney problems significantly impacted his performance in his first fight against Corey Anderson in 2022. He experienced severe fatigue after the first round in both sparring and competition, unable to maintain his usual pace. After extensive medical consultations and testing in Thailand, doctors identified the kidney issue and found a permissible pharmaceutical solution. Nemkov has since eliminated all sports supplements from his diet, including creatine, protein, and BCAAs, relying only on vitamins like omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and B vitamins. He stated the supplement removal has not negatively affected his performance as long as he maintains proper nutrition and sleep.
Vadim Nemkov has revealed that an undiagnosed kidney condition severely hampered his conditioning during his first fight against Corey Anderson in 2022, explaining for the first time why his performance fell short of expectations that night.
The Russian light heavyweight, now 32 years old and carrying a professional record of 19-2-0, described suffering extreme fatigue as early as the end of the first round — both in training camps and during the bout itself. Nemkov, who stands six feet tall with a 76-inch reach and has demonstrated 50 percent striking accuracy throughout his career, said he was unable to sustain his usual pace under those conditions. After seeking answers through extensive medical consultations and testing in Thailand, doctors identified the kidney problem and provided a permissible pharmaceutical solution.
Corey Anderson, the 36-year-old American opponent from that contest, is a formidable light heavyweight in his own right. Standing six-foot-three at 191 cm with a 79-inch reach, Anderson fights out of The Kennel Fight Club and brings a well-rounded game to the cage, averaging 4.43 significant strikes landed per minute and an impressive 4.89 takedowns per 15 minutes across his 14-5-0 career record.
Following his diagnosis, Nemkov made significant changes to his supplement regimen, cutting out all performance-focused products including creatine, protein powders, and BCAAs. He now relies solely on basic vitamins such as omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and B vitamins. He indicated the transition has not hurt his output, provided his nutrition and sleep remain disciplined.
Why it matters
- The disclosure reframes the 2022 Anderson fight, casting Nemkov's performance in a different light given the physical obstacle he was competing through
- Nemkov's confirmed health management could be a factor in assessing his durability and conditioning heading into future light heavyweight matchups
- The supplement overhaul signals a long-term approach to athletic longevity that may shape how his camp structures future training blocks
