It’s main event time at Bellator 297.
Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Vadim Nemkov is back in action against former UFC title challenger Yoel Romero. Nemkov seeks his 11th-straight win while Romero will look to finally hold gold at 46 years old.
The action takes place at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.
Round 1:
Nemkov lands a 1-2 and mixes in body kicks. Nemkov gets aggressive, unloading many strikes on Romero. Romero targets the leg of Nemkov with kicks. Nemkov fires off a headkick which is blocked by Romero. Nemkov hits Romero with a hard right hand. Romero chops Nemkov with a leg kick. Nemkov’s right hand continues to land at a scary level of power. Nemkov hits Romero with a 1-2 and follows it up with a headkick.
CDS: 10-9 Nemkov
Round 2:
Nemkov goes for a double-jab to begin the round. Nemkov fires a fast leg kick and then a body kick. Nemkov hits at the body with punch. Nemkov lands two teep kicks to the body. Nemkov catches Romero with a headkick and a right hook. Right hand again lands for Nemkov. Romero lands a leg kick but misses with a fast wind-up left hand. Nemkov lands a 1-2. Nemkov lands a beautiful body kick. Nemkov lands a great 1-2.
CDS: 10-9 Nemkov
Round 3:
Nemkov lands a right hand and Romero counters with a hammer fist to the leg. Romero lands an oblique kick. Nemkov stuns Romero with a blistering combo of punches. Romero stays against the cage while Nemkov punishes him with many punches. Romero survives the onslaught. Romero plays ‘possum’ trying to lure Nemkov in with lazy body movement but Nemkov doesn’t fall for it, playing it smart instead. Romero topples Nemkov after a slip to the ground, trying for a guillotine choke but doesn’t get it. Nemkov presses forward, unleashing punches at the end of the round.
CDS: 10-9 Nemkov
Round 4:
Romero is awkward in his movement but that doesn’t stop Nemkov from piecing him up with punches. Nemkov throws a knee up the middle that lands. Nemkov lands to the body and the head of the Cuban. Romero eats a hard combo to the face from Nemkov. Nemkov continues to land his 1-2 combinations with ease. Nemkov’s jab finds its target many times. Nemkov lands a crisp right cross and then a headkick. Romero hits Nemkov with a superman punch.
CDS: 10-9 Nemkov
Round 5:
Nemkov changes it up, shooting for a takedown which is defended by Romero. Nemkov lands a jab. Romero counters with a left of his own. Nemkov fires off a 1-2. Nemkov lands a punch and a kick. Romero loads up on his punches but they don’t find their target. Romero clinches up with the champ against the cage. Romero takes down Nemkov after a battle for clinch position. Holding top position, Romero lands punches to the body and mixes in elbows and punches to the head.
CDS: 10-9 Romero (total score: 49-46 Nemkov)
Official result: Vadim Nemkov defeats Yoel Romero by unanimous decision (49-46 x3)
Check out the highlights below:
The champ Vadim Nemkov landing shots early on!#Bellator297 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Wb4CeDOPbR
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
It was the LHW champ Nemkov who looked the more promising in round 1.#Bellator297 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/E4aok5qPYi
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
👊 Vadim Nemkov landing some excellent strikes!#Bellator297 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/wKLYi03mpX
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
The champ controlling the fight! Another strong round for Vadim Nemkov in Chicago. 👊#Bellator297 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/CDFBRxPfVh
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
Vadim Nemkov unleashing shots on @YoelRomeroMMA! 😳#Bellator297 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/B4sAZwafcb
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
Interesting tactic from @YoelRomeroMMA 👀#Bellator297 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/q9rROjPdMm
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
😱 @YoelRomeroMMA hurts Nemkov!#Bellator297 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Did1CkbApS
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
WHAT A ROUND!#Bellator297 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/CCpOecEorh
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
That superman from @YoelRomeroMMA was 🤌#Bellator297 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/MWE78bYLfS
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
Takedown from @YoelRomeroMMA!#Bellator297 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/nI4NNMfjG1
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
The best of the best! 🔥
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
Another phenomenal victory for Vadim Nemkov. Can anyone stop the light-heavyweight king here in Bellator? 🤔#Bellator297 pic.twitter.com/warQbO5UEu