Vadim Nemkov disclosed that he suffered from kidney problems in 2022 that severely affected his cardio, causing him to fade after one round in sparring and in his first fight against Corey Anderson. Despite performing well in other training like CrossFit and weight training, he would run out of energy in the second round of sparring sessions. After extensive medical consultation and testing in Thailand, doctors identified the kidney issue and prescribed a legal, over-the-counter medication that resolved the problem. Nemkov also revealed he has eliminated all sports supplements from his diet due to the strain they place on his kidneys, now only taking basic vitamins including omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and B vitamins. He stated that removing supplements like creatine, protein, and BCAAs hasn't negatively impacted his performance.
Vadim Nemkov has opened up about a kidney condition that he says robbed him of his cardio during a difficult stretch in 2022, including his first fight against Corey Anderson.
The Russian light heavyweight contender, now 32 years old, explained that despite performing well in CrossFit and weight training, he would completely run out of gas in the second round of sparring sessions. The problem, he said, extended into competition, where he faded badly after the opening round against Anderson. After seeking medical advice and undergoing extensive testing in Thailand, doctors identified the kidney issue and prescribed a legal, over-the-counter medication that cleared it up.
Nemkov carries a 19-2 record and brings a 76-inch reach and 50 percent striking accuracy into his bouts. His two losses are the only blemishes on a resume built largely at the top of the light heavyweight division.
Anderson, who trains out of The Kennel Fight Club, is 14-5 and stands six-foot-three with a 79-inch reach. The 36-year-old American is a high-volume fighter, landing 4.43 significant strikes per minute with 46 percent accuracy and averaging an impressive 4.89 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a genuine threat in multiple areas.
Why it matters
- Nemkov's health revelation reframes the Anderson loss and raises questions about where he stands physically now that the issue has reportedly been resolved.
- He has cut creatine, protein shakes, and BCAAs from his diet entirely to protect his kidneys, relying only on omega-3, fish oil, magnesium, and B vitamins — a significant lifestyle shift for a professional fighter.
- He stated the supplement changes have not hurt his performance, suggesting his current conditioning baseline is healthy heading into future competition.
- Any rematch or divisional matchup involving Nemkov now carries the added context that his 2022 fade may not reflect his true capabilities.
