Vadim Nemkov vs. Sergei Bilostenniy set for PFL heavyweight title in Dubai

Vadim Nemkov will make his first defense of the PFL heavyweight title when he faces Sergei Bilostenniy at PFL Dubai. The promotion announced that the Russian champion will put his belt on the line against the No. 3-ranked contender on Nov. 14 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

Vadim Nemkov Set for First PFL Heavyweight Title Defense

Nemkov won the inaugural PFL heavyweight championship in December 2025, submitting Renan Ferreira with an arm-triangle choke in the first round. The former Bellator light heavyweight champion moved up to heavyweight in 2024 and has won all three of his fights in the division, finishing each opponent by submission.

The 34-year-old Russian has not lost in more than a decade and enters his first title defense with a 20-2 record. He is also ranked No. 2 in the PFL's pound-for-pound standings. Nemkov is a longtime member of Fedor Emelianenko's team and will now face another fighter affiliated with the same camp.

Sergei Bilostenniy Earns PFL Heavyweight Title Shot

Also affiliated with Fedor Team, Bilostenniy enters the matchup coming off a third-round TKO victory over former PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira in May. The Russian contender made his PFL debut in 2024 and has won four of his five promotional appearances. Bilostenniy enters the title fight with a 15-4 professional record, including 11 finishes.

The matchup will headline PFL Dubai on Nov. 14 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.