Nemkov vs. Bilostenniy Set for PFL Dubai Heavyweight Championship
The Professional Fighters League is returning to Dubai with a heavyweight championship showdown.
PFL has announced that heavyweight world champion Vadim Nemkov (20-2) will defend his title against No. 3-ranked contender Sergei Bilostenniy (15-4) on Saturday, November 14, at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
The event marks PFL’s fourth trip to Dubai and its first card in the city since the promotion’s merger with Most Valuable Promotions.
Nemkov enters the matchup as one of the most accomplished fighters on the PFL roster. Ranked No. 2 in the promotion’s pound-for-pound rankings, the Russian has been undefeated for the past decade and previously captured the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship before moving to heavyweight in 2024.
Nemkov claimed PFL heavyweight gold last December and has quickly established himself as one of the division’s elite. A four-time Combat Sambo champion and protégé of MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko, Nemkov has 10 victories by knockout or TKO and six by submission.
Standing across the cage will be a familiar face from the Team Fedor system.
Bilostenniy has gone 4-1 since joining the PFL and has already established himself as one of the heavyweight division’s most dangerous finishers. His résumé includes victories over Karl Williams, Tyrell Fortune and former PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira.
The No. 3 contender has also produced highlight-reel finishes, including a spinning head-kick knockout and a heel-hook submission. Bilostenniy has previously trained alongside Nemkov under the Team Fedor banner, adding an intriguing layer to an already highly anticipated championship matchup.
Now, the two Russians will settle their differences with the PFL heavyweight championship on the line.
PFL Dubai takes place November 14 at Coca-Cola Arena. The event will air live in the United States on the ESPN app and across 25 Middle East and North Africa territories on STARZPLAY.
Tickets are currently available through the PFL, with general sales beginning Tuesday, September 8.
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