Vadim Nemkov Defends PFL Heavyweight Title Against Sergei Bilostenniy in Dubai

Vadim Nemkov, the PFL Heavyweight World Champion with a record of 20 wins and 2 losses, will defend his belt in Dubai on Saturday, November 14th. His opponent will be the #3 ranked heavyweight, Sergei Bilostenniy, who holds a professional record of 15 wins and 4 losses. The fight is scheduled to take place at the Coca-Cola Arena.

This event signifies the PFL's first card in Dubai since its merger with Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). The collaboration aims to deliver top-tier MMA and boxing events globally. The return to Dubai is part of an agreement between the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and PFL, reinforcing the city's status as a major venue for international sporting competitions and a hub for mixed martial arts.

Nemkov, ranked #2 pound-for-pound within the PFL, is a protégé of MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. A decorated Combat Sambo champion with a decade-long undefeated streak, Nemkov moved up to heavyweight in 2024 and secured the PFL championship last December. Known for his athleticism and finishing ability, he has won half of his professional fights by knockout or technical knockout, and six by submission. His three heavyweight bouts have all concluded with chokes, and he aims to prove his dominance in the division.

Bilostenniy, ranked #3 in the heavyweight division, has a 4-1 record since joining the PFL. His highlights include a spinning head kick knockout and a heel hook submission, showcasing his dangerous versatility. He also trains under the Team Fedor banner and has previously sparred with Nemkov. Having defeated notable opponents like Karl Williams, Tyrell Fortune, and former PFL Champion Renan Ferreira, Bilostenniy is determined to challenge Nemkov comprehensively and claim the PFL Heavyweight Championship, establishing himself as the top fighter associated with the Emelianenko team.

John Martin, CEO of MVP, stated, "Dubai has become a special city for PFL and the site of some unforgettable moments in our history. This November, we’re raising the stakes again with the PFL Heavyweight World Championship on the line. Both fighters have roots in Team Fedor and represent the next generation of Russia’s storied heavyweight tradition and now they’ll meet to determine who sits atop one of the most prestigious divisions in combat sports. This is exactly the kind of world-class championship matchup we want to bring to fans in Dubai, and I can’t wait to see it unfold at Coca-Cola Arena on November 14."

His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, commented, "Elite MMA will make a return to this region and for sure, this will have a definite impact. First and foremost will be a boost to regional sports tourism wherein the event is bound to draw countless fight fans, athletes, coaches and media from across the globe. The Dubai Sports Council has always been associated with this high-profile event in the past as we believe in the tremendous promise it holds, not just for Dubai and the UAE, but for the entire region at large. The PFL’s return to Dubai will serve as a major platform for regional talent specifically from the PFL MENA roster to transition onto the global combat sports stage."

The PFL Dubai main card includes the PFL Heavyweight World Championship bout: Champion Vadim Nemkov (20-2) vs. #3 Sergei Bilostenniy (15-4).

The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE.