by Darren Moore
Russian champion Vadim Nemkov (12-2-0) puts his title belt on the line against Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis (22-5-0) in the quarterfinals of the Bellator Light Heavyweight grand prix at Bellator 257 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut on Friday night.
Bellator 257 Betting Prediction:
Fight Result – Vadim Nemkov to Win at -200
Vadim Nemkov
Age: 28 | Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 205lb | Fighting Out Of: Stary Oskol, Belgorod Oblast, Russia
Nemkov will be making his first title defense against the American whom he narrowly beat on a split decision back in November 2018.
Since that victory, 28-year-old Nemkov has beaten Rafael Carvalho by submission, then pulled off an upset with a second-round TKO win over Ryan Bader to the claim the Bellator Light Heavyweight title in August last year.
Nemkov is unbeaten in five years and is currently on a seven-fight winning streak, having finished six of his seven opponents inside the distance.
Phil Davis
Age: 36 | Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 205lb | Fighting Out Of: Chula Vista, California, United States
Since losing to Nemkov, Phil Davis has embarked on a three-fight winning streak, with his most recent victory being a split decision against Lyoto Machida.
Davis now has the opportunity to not only exact revenge on Nemkov for their previous fight, but also to regain the title that he himself once held.
Vadim Nemkov v Phil Davis Predictions
One of the strengths of Nemkov’s game plan is his kicking, as Davis knows from their first meeting. It was also a head kick from the Russian that proved decisive in his title-winning performance against Bader. For his part, Davis is strong when it comes to the wrestling side and is a very durable fighter.
This is unquestionably a fight that could go either way, but Nemkov comes into the bout as a marginal betting favorite and, as the younger man on a good run of results and having already beaten Davis previously, he looks to be worth a bet to successfully retain his title.
* Bellator 257 odds correct at the time of writing. All odds are subject to change.
Darren lives & breathes sports betting and is always sniffing out his next value bet. His favourite sports to bet on are the NFL, horse racing and UFC but he will bet on anything if he thinks the odds are favourable.
