Vadim Nemkov has disclosed that he suffered from kidney problems in 2022 that severely impacted his performance, particularly in his first fight against Corey Anderson. Nemkov explained that he would fade dramatically after one round in sparring sessions, unable to understand why his cardio was failing. After consulting with his doctor and undergoing tests, the issue was traced to kidney problems related to severe weight cuts. He competed against Anderson in spring 2022 while still affected, winning the first round but losing steam in the second due to lack of energy. After finding an appropriate pharmaceutical treatment during a training camp in Thailand before their November rematch, his condition improved. Nemkov has since eliminated all sports supplements from his regimen, including creatine, protein, and BCAAs, and now only takes vitamins like omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and vitamin B, reporting no decline in performance without the supplements.
Vadim Nemkov has revealed that kidney problems stemming from severe weight cuts left him struggling with unexplained cardio failures during his 2022 campaign, most notably in his first meeting with Corey Anderson.
The Russian light heavyweight, now 32 years old and carrying a 19-2 professional record, described a period in which he would fade dramatically after just one round of sparring, unable to identify the cause. Medical tests eventually traced the issue to kidney damage linked to aggressive cutting. Despite still being affected, Nemkov stepped into his first bout with Anderson in the spring of 2022, winning the opening round before running out of energy in the second. He found a pharmaceutical solution during a training camp in Thailand ahead of their November rematch, which helped stabilize his condition. Nemkov has since overhauled his supplement routine entirely, cutting out creatine, protein, and BCAAs in favor of omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and vitamin B, and reports no drop in performance as a result. He stands six feet tall with a 76-inch reach and has posted a 50 percent striking accuracy across his career.
Anderson, 36, is an American fighter out of The Kennel Fight Club who carries a 14-5 record and brings a physically imposing frame to the light heavyweight division at six-foot-three with a 79-inch reach. He lands 4.43 significant strikes per minute and averages 4.89 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat on the feet and on the mat.
Why it matters
- Nemkov's disclosure reframes the first Anderson fight, suggesting his performance was significantly hampered by an undiagnosed medical condition
- The kidney issues were tied directly to weight-cutting practices, a recurring concern across combat sports
- His supplement overhaul adds an unusual dimension to how elite fighters manage recovery and physical preparation
