Nedkov was born in Veliko Tarnovo and began wrestling when he was 10 years old. A two-time national champion in freestyle wrestling, he has also had first-place finishes in international tournaments in Russia, Moldova, Turkey, and Bulgaria. Nedkov has also studied in sumo under Kotooshu Katsunori and won his first grappling championship a year after he began learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu.[3]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Nedkov made his professional mixed martial arts debut in relative obscurity in 2006 and amassed an undefeated record of 7–0 in his native Bulgaria.
Following a year away from the sport, Nedkov was signed to a contract with the Japanese promotion World Victory Road.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In June 2010, it was announced Nedkov had signed a contract with the UFC. Nedkov was expected to make his UFC debut against Rodney Wallace on August 7, 2010, at UFC 117,[4] but Nedkov was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Phil Davis[5]
Nedkov was expected to face Steve Cantwell on October 16, 2010, at UFC 120.[6] However, less than 48 hours before the event, Cantwell was forced off the card after suffering a knee injury during a pre-fight training session. With no time to find a suitable opponent for Nedkov, the bout was cancelled.[7]
Nedkov eventually made his UFC debut against Luiz Cane at UFC 134. Nedkov won the fight via TKO (punches) in the first round.
Nedkov was scheduled to return to the UFC at UFC 142. He was expected to take on Fabio Maldonado at this event, however alleged visa problems forced Nedkov to withdraw from the bout.[8]
Nedkov faced Thiago Silva on November 10, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV 6. He lost via arm-triangle choke in the third round.[9] However, on November 21, 2012, it was revealed that Silva had failed his post fight drug test, testing positive for marijuana metabolites and the result was overturned and changed to a No Contest.[10]
Nedkov made his Middleweight debut against Tom Watson on February 16, 2013, at UFC on Fuel TV: Barão vs. McDonald.[11] He lost the back-and-forth fight via TKO in the second round. Both participants earned Fight of the Night honors for their performance.
Nedkov returned to the octagon against Nikita Krylov in a light heavyweight bout at UFC on Fox: Gustafsson vs. Johnson on January 24, 2015.[12] He lost the fight via submission in the first round, and was subsequently released from the promotion shortly after.[13]
