Vadim Nemkov disclosed that kidney problems in 2022 severely impacted his conditioning, causing him to fade rapidly during his first fight with Corey Anderson and in training sessions. The former Bellator champion explained he would feel strong for one round but completely run out of energy by the second round in sparring. After consulting with his doctor and undergoing tests, medical professionals identified the kidney issue but initially struggled to resolve it. While training in Thailand in August before the rematch, Nemkov found an over-the-counter pharmaceutical solution that restored his health and which he continues to use. As a result of the kidney problems and weight-cutting stress, Nemkov completely eliminated sports supplements including creatine, protein, and BCAAs from his regimen to reduce strain on his kidneys. He now only takes vitamins including omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and vitamin B, and reports feeling no worse without the supplements as long as his nutrition and sleep are properly managed.
Vadim Nemkov has revealed that an undiagnosed kidney condition robbed him of his conditioning ahead of his first meeting with Corey Anderson, explaining for the first time why he faded so dramatically in that contest.
The 32-year-old Russian, who carries a 19-2 record and formerly held the Bellator light heavyweight championship, said the kidney problems became apparent during training in 2022. He described feeling powerful through one round of sparring before his energy would completely abandon him in the second, a pattern that translated directly into his performance on fight night. Nemkov stands six feet tall with a 76-inch reach and brings 50 percent striking accuracy into his bouts, making his physical conditioning central to how he operates as a fighter.
Doctors identified the kidney issue following tests, though resolving it proved difficult at first. The breakthrough came during a training camp in Thailand in August before the rematch, when Nemkov found an over-the-counter pharmaceutical that addressed the problem. He has continued using it since.
As a further measure to protect his kidneys, Nemkov cut all sports supplements from his routine, removing creatine, protein powders, and BCAAs entirely. He now limits supplementation to vitamins, specifically omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and vitamin B. He reported feeling no decline in performance from the change, provided his diet and sleep remain properly managed.
Anderson, the 36-year-old American competing out of The Kennel Fight Club, holds a 14-5 record and presents a considerable physical challenge at six-foot-three with a 79-inch reach. He averages 4.43 significant strikes per minute and lands nearly five takedowns per fifteen minutes, making him one of the more well-rounded presences in the light heavyweight division.
Why it matters
- Nemkov's health disclosure reframes the first Anderson fight and adds context to the rivalry between two of light heavyweight's top competitors
- The kidney-related conditioning issues, now addressed, raise questions about how different a fully healthy Nemkov might look in future outings
- His supplement overhaul signals a long-term approach to managing the condition around the demands of professional weight-cutting
