Vadim Nemkov disclosed that kidney problems in 2022 severely affected his performance, particularly in his first fight against Corey Anderson. He experienced extreme fatigue after just one round in sparring sessions and felt his "gas tank empty" in the second round of fights. After consulting with his doctor and undergoing testing, the issue was traced to kidney problems related to severe weight cuts. Nemkov traveled to Thailand for a training camp before the Anderson rematch, where he finally found a legal pharmaceutical solution that restored his health. As a result of these kidney issues, Nemkov completely eliminated sports supplements from his diet, including creatine, protein, and BCAAs, keeping only vitamins like omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and vitamin B. He noted that he hasn't felt worse without supplements, emphasizing that proper nutrition, sleep, and vitamins are most important.
Vadim Nemkov has revealed that undiagnosed kidney problems in 2022 severely compromised his conditioning during that period, most notably contributing to the performance issues he experienced in his first bout against Corey Anderson.
Nemkov, 32, carries a 19-2 professional record and competes in the light heavyweight division. The Russian fighter stands six feet tall with a 76-inch reach and has built a reputation as one of the elite forces in the 205-pound weight class. In the interview, he described alarming fatigue during sparring — feeling completely drained after a single round — and said his gas tank was empty by the second round of fights. Medical testing eventually traced the problem to kidney stress caused by severe weight cuts, prompting him to eliminate sports supplements entirely from his regimen, including creatine, protein powders, and BCAAs. He now relies only on vitamins such as omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and vitamin B, and reported that he has not felt worse for the change. He also traveled to Thailand for a training camp ahead of the Anderson rematch, where he found a legal pharmaceutical solution that he credited with restoring his health.
Anderson, nicknamed Overtime, is a 36-year-old American fighter out of The Kennel Fight Club. He holds a 14-5 record and presents a physically imposing frame at six feet three inches tall with a 79-inch reach. Anderson averages 4.43 significant strikes per minute at 46 percent accuracy and is a consistent threat on the ground, averaging 4.89 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Nemkov's disclosure adds important context to his 2022 form and the circumstances surrounding the first Anderson fight
- The kidney issues stemming from weight cuts raise broader questions about long-term health risks in combat sports
- His supplement overhaul represents a significant shift in his approach to recovery and fight preparation
