Vadim Nemkov dominates Renan Ferreira with first-round submission at PFL Lyon. On Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) crowned its inaugural heavyweight world champion in a highly anticipated main event. Former Bellator light heavyweight Vadim Nemkov squared off against towering knockout artist Renan Ferreira for the vacant PFL Heavyweight World Title, and Nemkov delivered a dominant performance that ended early with a spectacular finish.
As soon as the fight started, Nemkov wasted no time imposing his game plan. He pressed forward purposefully, eager to close the distance on Ferreira. Instead of trading big shots on the feet, Nemkov shot for a takedown early, and successfully brought his opponent to the canvas in the opening minute. Once the fight hit the ground, Nemkov quickly established top control. Despite Ferreira’s long limbs, Nemkov used strong base and relentless pressure to keep him flat and neutralize the threat of Ferreira’s power. Nemkov began wearing down Ferreira with measured ground-and-pound, forcing his opponent to cover and adjust defensively.
Nemkov continued to land some punches from top position. After softening Ferreira up and maintaining positional control, he transitioned smoothly toward submitting his opponent and made way into an arm-triangle choke setup. While Ferreira showed resistance and tried all he could to defend well, the pressure and positioning by Nemkov left little room for escape. With Ferreira trapped and unable to improve his position, Nemkov locked in the arm-triangle choke securely. Ferreira, known for his toughness and submission defense, eventually could not fend off the pressure and tapped out at exactly 4:00 of Round 1, crowning Nemkov the PFL Heavyweight World Champion.
“I’ll fight anybody the company wants me to, but I really want to fight Francis,” Nemkov said (via a Russian translator). And shortly after, Ngannou responded on X.. With Nemkov now crowned PFL champion, all eyes turn to what could be the biggest matchup in the promotion: Nemkov vs. Francis Ngannou. If that fight comes together, the stage is set for a clash that could redefine the PFL heavyweight landscape.
Check out the PFL Lyon Result
Vadim Nemkov def. Renan Ferreira via submission (arm-triangle choke) (R1, 4:00)
Cris Cyborg def. Sara Collins via submission (rear-naked choke) (R3, 2:55)
Patrick Habirora def. Kevin Jousset via KO (ground-and-pound) (R1, 2:42)
Taylor Lapilus def. Liam Gittins via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
Baris Adiguzel def. Dean Garnett via TKO (strikes) (R1, 0:44)
Boris Mbarga Atangana def. Guilherme Soares via submission (rear-naked choke) (R2, 2:35)
Alex Chizov def. Connor Hughes via KO (punch) (R3, 0:50)
Gustavo Oliveira def. Movsar Ibragimov via KO (punches) (R2, 0:34)
Sabrinna de Sousa def. Paulina Wisniewska via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
Rayan Balbali def. Levi Batchelor via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
