Background Viktor Nemkov was born in a small village in Zhalgyskan, Kazakh SSR, Soviet Union, now modern-
Kazakhstan. In 1999 the family moved to the village Tomarovka,
Belgorod Oblast. There, Nemkov began to train in
Judo. Having spent some successful tournaments, Nemkov became a "Master of Sport in
Judo." Nemkov was the 2008 Russian Combat Sambo bronze medalist in the 90 kg weight category and the 2009 World Cup champion. Nemkov trains at the
Red Devil Sport Club; a training facility and team strongly linked with the M-1 Global promotion and
Fedor Emelianenko.
M-1 Global Nemkov began his professional mixed martial arts career with a loss to Magomed Sultanakhmedov via TKO, but quickly rebounded against newcomer Christian Bombay. Nemkov was able to secure a triangle choke on Bombay early in the first round to claim his first victory. Nemkov's toughest challenge at that point came against the vastly experienced Tony Lopez in South Korea. Lopez' experience was perhaps too great, as he walked away with a submission victory via rear naked choke in the second round, handing Nemkov his second career loss. Nemkov then signed to fight Khanilav Khanilaev at the M-1 2009 Finals. Nemkov went onto suffer his third career defeat, losing via split decision. Nemkov would bounce back with a victory over Shamil Vajsurov who, going into the fight, had a record of 0–1. In August 2010, Nemkov was reportedly scouted by
World Wrestling Entertainment - whilst on a tour of Russia - who wanted to sign him as a professional wrestler. In April 2011, Nemkov fought
Vinny Magalhaes for the vacant M-1 Global Light Heavyweight title. Early on, Magalhaes looked for a takedown, but it was Nemkov who was able to secure top position early on. From there, Nemkov had to defend against multiple submission attempts, including an omoplata which seemed to be almost locked in. In the playoffs he faced
Bozigit Ataev at
PFL 9, which ended in a majority draw leading to Ataev advancing to the semifinals.
Bellator MMA On September 1, 2020, it was announced that Nemkov had signed a contract with
Bellator MMA. Nemkov made his Bellator debut at
Bellator 257 on April 16, 2021, against
Karl Albrektsson. He lost the bout via unanimous decision. Nemkov faced Leonardo Guimarães on December 19, 2021, at Open Fighting Championship 15. He won via unanimous decision. Nemkov was scheduled to face José Augusto Azevedo on July 22, 2022, at
Bellator 283. However, due to an injury to Nemkov, the bout was scrapped. ==Submission grappling career==