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Tag: Artem Vakhitov

  • Former Alex Pereira Rival Explains Turning Down UFC Contract Despite DWCS Win

    Former Alex Pereira Rival Explains Turning Down UFC Contract Despite DWCS Win

    Earning a spot in the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) is a dream for many fighters, but one contract winner recently made the surprising decision to walk away from it.

    Former GLORY light heavyweight champion Artem Vakhitov punched his ticket to the UFC in October with a statement-making knockout victory over Islem Masraf during Season 8, Week 9 of DWCS.

    Vakhitov’s arrival in the UFC was highly anticipated, as he holds the distinction of being the last man to defeat former two-division titleholder Alex Pereira in a kickboxing contest back in September 2021 — just before “Poatan” made his full-time transition to MMA.

    However, on Tuesday, the 33-year-old Russian announced on The Ariel Helwani Show that he had decided to forgo the opportunity to sign with the UFC and will instead face reigning GLORY heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven in the main event of GLORY 100 on June 14.

    “Unfortunately, we couldn’t reach an agreement with UFC,” Vakhitov said through a translator. “Because they have their own protocol, but we still have good relations with them, so that’s it. Now we’re announcing a big fight against Rico Verhoeven. I think Rico doesn’t need to be [explained as an opponent] because he’s well known and, for sure, we wanted this fight a long time ago. For me, it’s a good opportunity to become a double champion, and it was in my mind a very long time ago.”

    Vakhitov further weighed in on his decision, revealing that his choice to decline a potential UFC run was largely influenced by dissatisfaction with the promotion’s financial structure and strict contractual obligations.

    “UFC always works off a standard contract after Dana White’s Contender Series. Unfortunately, we could not reach an agreement, or [there were] some things couldn’t agree [on]. When we got an offer [from GLORY] and we saw the news that all the Russian fighters are coming back to GLORY, we got an offer to fight against Rico and probably the possibility to become a double champion, we agreed very easily. And for sure, for good money, why not?”

    Reports suggest that a standard DWCS contract includes a clause granting the UFC the power to lock a chosen fighter into a 20-month commitment spanning four bouts.

    Vakhitov’s most recent kickboxing bout took place under the Muaythai Factory banner in February 2022, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Pascal Touré.

  • Bisping: Alex Pereira Convincing UFC To Sign His Former Rival Speaks Volumes

    Bisping: Alex Pereira Convincing UFC To Sign His Former Rival Speaks Volumes

    Usually it’s up the UFC matchmakers or Dana White himself to decide which talent they want to bring into the promotion. At the Apex this past Tuesday night on another episode of Contender Series, it was the promotion’s light heavyweight champion that helped make this call.

    Alex Pereira told White why he should sign his former kickboxing rival Artem Vakhitov despite the fact that he delivered a performance that wasn’t overly impressive. The elite striker did get the first round finish but he didn’t exactly blow the roof off the place either.

    “Poatan” jokingly remarked to his former opponent in a video that was posted on social media that Vakhitov now owes him one.

    Michael Bisping Gives Credit To Alex Pereira For Pushing UFC To Sign Artem Vakhitov

    Michael Bisping, who was on commentary for this episode of Contender Series, gave his thoughts on the situation in a recent YouTube video. He said that what Pereira did at the Apex shows exactly the kind of competitor that he is.

    Though Vakhitov is a long way away from getting a shot at the light heavyweight title, his history with Pereira as the last man to beat the Brazilian star in kickboxing is exactly why he’s there in the first place.

    Bisping said it should be commended how Pereira could have easily dismissed his previous opponent, knowing that he could be a threat to him at some stage. The former UFC middleweight champion also pointed out that this could be Pereira being motivated by revenge.

    “The fact that Dana asked him, ‘Hey, this guys who’s the last person to beat you,’ that might get kind of fast tracked a little bit, that might possibly get decent favorable match-ups to meet you because there’s a big storyline and he was the last person to beat you and if he stands and trades with you and plays you at your own game, he might take the title off you. Pereira could have said, ‘well it wasn’t that good was it really, I expected more.’ He could have played down the performance but no, he said he absolutely deserves a shot, gibe him a shot. I’m telling you right, that not only speaks about the type of man that he is but it also speaks about the type of competitor that he is.”

  • Bisping Sees UFC Championship Potential In Artem Vakhitov

    Bisping Sees UFC Championship Potential In Artem Vakhitov

    Artem Vakhitov wouldn’t be signed to the UFC right now if it wasn’t for the light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira. The former GLORY kickboxer, who was the last man to beat “Poatan” in the sport, earned a contract on this week’s episode of Dana White’s Contender Series.

    Let alone getting this opportunity if it wasn’t for the history that he has with Pereira, the champion himself convinced Dana White to give his former foe a contract after the UFC boss wasn’t overly impressed by his performance at the Apex.

    Vakhitov is still very early on in his MMA career but of course, a third fight between them taking place in MMA would be a big deal but that’s still a long way in the distance right now.

    Bisping on Artem Vakhitov’s Potential

    Vakhitov is sure to get some special treatment once he arrives into the UFC, even if he just moves through the ranks a little faster than most.

    The issue with that is that he’s not ready to compete against top contenders at light heavyweight however, a striking match between him and Pereira would suit him a lot better.

    Former UFC champion Michael Bisping gave his reaction to how this all played out during a recent YouTube video.

    “The Count” was on commentary for this episode and though he also wasn’t overwhelmed by what he saw from Vakhitov on his UFC job interview, he believes that Pereira’s former rival could make it to the top in the years to come. Acknowledging it’s going to be a long road to the top, Bisping sees the greatness.

    “ I think he could do it, I think he’s got the potential. He’s got to work on the takedown defense. he’s got to get used to the little gloves. he’s got to get used to people with offbeat rhythms, because MMA strikers are a bit different to polished kickboxers but if he can do that.

    if he can do the work and apply himself, I think he could have a very bright future and we could see that fight at some point down the line.” 

    – Michael Bisping on Vakhitov’s potential
  • Dana White Recognizes Alex Pereira’s ‘Halo Effect’ As Artem Vakhitov Gets UFC Contract

    Dana White Recognizes Alex Pereira’s ‘Halo Effect’ As Artem Vakhitov Gets UFC Contract

    Alex Pereira is by far the most outstanding athlete the UFC has signed in recent years. Six of his ten UFC fights have been for a title, and he now holds the record for the quickest turnaround for three title defenses in the promotion.

    Pereira’s quick rise to the top of MMA has perplexed many in the community. He is a kickboxing specialist but the lack of wrestling and grappling experience has yet to bother him in the UFC.

    Artem Vakhitov, who defeated Pereira via decision at Glory 78, has signed with the UFC after winning at Dana White’s Contender Series Season 8, Week 9. The UFC President is happy to witness the influx of kickboxers in the UFC and thanked the UFC light heavyweight champ for it…

    Dana White Explains How Israel Adesanya And Alex Pereira Inspired Kickboxers To Enter The UFC

    During the DWCS 75 episode’s press conference, White talked about the recent wave of kickboxers coming to the UFC. He believes the success Israel Adesanya and Pereira have had in the promotion to be the reason behind this.

    Over the years, grappling has gradually become one of the most effective tools for success in MMA. Strikers often struggle to keep the fight on the feet against wrestlers but Adesanya and Pereira are huge exceptions. As a result, a lot of kickboxers with similar careers as these legends are now willing to try out their luck in the UFC.

    The UFC CEO pointed out that many kickboxers have fought gruesome battles for less money than they deserved. By showcasing their exciting standup in the UFC, they can significantly boost their earnings and fame.

    “What I actually think, like we were saying earlier, it’s fascinating how these guys that came out of this whole circuit with Israel and Alex, including them, are doing so well in the UFC. It’s fascinating, so, yeah, why not?” White continued, “I think it’s all of it. Obviously, those guys fought, you know, crazy fights, that I’m sure they didn’t make any money. Joanna Jędrzejczyk and many others. And come over here and it’s absolutely life-changing for them.”

    While he was announcing the contracts for DWCS Season 8, Week 9, Laura Sanko asked White about Pereira’s halo effect in the UFC. Here’s how he responded:

    “100%. It’s fascinating and that these guys are coming over here with so many kickboxing fights. And they’re wrestling is on point. It’s actually fascinating.”

    Vakhitov is a great example of the same. He’s just secured a UFC contract but has already generated a lot of hype because of his win over Pereira in kickboxing. Interestingly, “Poatan” himself convinced White to sign Vakhitov.

  • Alex Pereira’s Last Kickboxing Rival Claims He’s Not MMA’s Top Striker

    Alex Pereira’s Last Kickboxing Rival Claims He’s Not MMA’s Top Striker

    The main event of UFC 307 was a fun fight but ultimately, the elite level striking of Alex Pereira was too much for Khalil Rountree. As a former two-weight world champion in GLORY kickboxing, the current light heavyweight champion is one of the best strikers in the history of MMA.

    Ahead of his latest title defense, “Poatan” was asked about other kickboxers following in the footsteps of him and Israel Adesanya and there was one name that was mentioned specifically. Artem Vakhitov was the last man to beat Pereira in kickboxing, winning a majority decision back in 2021 after the Brazilian got the nod the first time around.

    Now, he’s hoping to carve out his own path in mixed martial arts.

    Artem Vakhitov Says That Alex Pereira Is Too Limited To Be Considered The Best Striker In MMA Today

    After suffering an injury on his MMA debut, Vakhitov has earned consecutive first-round finishes and will now fight for a spot on the UFC roster.

    He faces Islem Masraf on this week’s edition of Dana White’s Contender Series where his 2-1 pro record will be overlooked due to his kickboxing background and history with the current light heavyweight champion.

    Despite now having his own experiences with adapting to MMA, Vakhitov doesn’t believe that his former foe is the best striker in the sport today.

    He said to Submission Radio that “Poatan” can’t be in the conversation due to his reliance on his signature strike, the left hook.

    “I don’t think he’s really the best striker because to have just one good punch, it doesn’t mean that he’s really good striker. The real striker is someone who has a lot of combinations, very different opportunities. He just taught well one punch and delivering it but it doesn’t mean that having good distance and other stuff so I think he’s not really good striker because of it.”

    When asked who he would pick as the best striker in MMA today if it isn’t Pereira, he provided one name who will headline UFC 308 later this month.

    “I like the style of Max Holloway but I really couldn’t say who’s really the best one. I like who he’s fighting and I believe he could be the best one.”

    Read also: Tom Aspinall Significant Favorite For Potential Alex Pereira Fight After UFC 307

  • Alex Pereira On Chances Of Ex-Kickboxing Foe Finding UFC Success: ‘They Are Not Me, They Are Not Adesanya’

    Alex Pereira On Chances Of Ex-Kickboxing Foe Finding UFC Success: ‘They Are Not Me, They Are Not Adesanya’

    UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira is seemingly not concerned about the arrival of a fighter who boasts a win over him in kickboxing to the Octagon.

    “Poatan” has already achieved immense success on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, capturing gold at both 185 and 205 pounds. Those achievements were, in part, made possible due to the ready-made storyline that many believe fast-tracked him to the top.

    The Brazilian arrived in the UFC with a reputation largely centering around his two wins over Israel Adesanya in the striking-only realm. After just three fights, he was placed opposite the Nigerian-New Zealander and unseated him from the middleweight throne.

    Now, Pereira is on the opposite side of such a story.

    In his final kickboxing bout before committing to MMA, the former two-weight Glory champion was outpointed by Artem Vakhitov months on from his own narrow decision victory over the Russian.

    Vakhitov has also since transitioned to the cage, and he recently began his pursuit of a combat sports trilogy with Pereira by taking aim at his skillset.

    The former Glory titleholder will have the chance to move closer to setting up a showdown with “Poatan” in the Octagon when he shoots for a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series next week.

    Pereira, however, isn’t optimistic about the chances of Vakhitov and other kickboxers being able to recreate his story with Adesanya…

    Pereira Gives Dismissive Response To Vakhitov’s MMA Arrival

    During his appearance at UFC 307 media day on Wednesday, Pereira was asked to comment on Vakhitov’s transition to MMA and pursuit of the kind of success he’s achieved in the sport.

    While the Russian has appeared confident about making a quick rise and exposing the current light heavyweight kingpin, Pereira believes Vakhitov to be “mistaken” when it comes to the difficulty that awaits him at the highest level of MMA.

    “I stopped following kickboxing, so I kind of don’t know how he’s (Vakhitov) doing,” Pereira said. “So I don’t know what his potential (is), but I think fighting me in the UFC at this point could be hard.

    “People get mistaken sometimes (and) think that it’s just easy to make a story like Israel Adesanya. Guys that beat me (in) a fight like, long ago, they think that they (can) just come here and make the same story,” Pereira continued. “Bro, they are not me, they are not Israel Adesanya.”

    While Vakhitov has plenty to do before reaching the same conversation as Pereira in the UFC, starting with earning an actual contract next week, “Poatan” showed how quick of a rise up the ladder is possible with a good storyline and some violent knockouts.

  • Chael Sonnen Sends Advice To Former Alex Pereira Kickboxing Opponent Artem Vakhitov On MMA Transition: ‘Might Be A Better Approach…’ 

    Chael Sonnen Sends Advice To Former Alex Pereira Kickboxing Opponent Artem Vakhitov On MMA Transition: ‘Might Be A Better Approach…’ 

    UFC legend Chael Sonnen has urged former two-time Glory Kickboxing champion Artem Vakhitov to rethink the way he’s currently approaching his pursuit of Alex Pereira in mixed martial arts.

    Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion in MMA’s leading promotion, is beginning to find himself on the opposite end of a narrative he rode all the way to the top in the UFC following his promotional debut in 2021.

    “Poatan” arrived with hype already around his name owing to his history with then-middleweight titleholder Israel Adesanya, whom he got the better of twice in the kickboxing ring.

    The Brazilian capitalized on that story to secure a faster-than-usual rise to the belt, ultimately capturing it from “The Last Stylebender” before immediately dropping it back and moving onto other things a division up.

    Now, having cemented his grip on the 205-pound crown and enhanced his legacy in MMA, a figure from Pereira’s striking past has emerged.

    In his final kickboxing bout, the former two-weight Glory champion was outpointed by Vakhitov months on from his own narrow decision victory over the Russian. Vakhitov has also since transitioned to the cage, and he recently began his pursuit of a combat sports trilogy with Pereira by taking aim at his skillset.

    But one man who certainly boasts experience in the realm of MMA storylines believes the MMA newcomer is going about things in the wrong way…

    Sonnen Tells Vakhitov To ‘Join’ Pereira, Not Target Him

    During a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Sonnen reacted to the recent war of words between Vakhitov and Pereira, who reacted to his former rival’s remarks with a warning and some advice regarding the need for management.

    Sonnen made the obvious comparison between “Poatan’s” transition to MMA and subsequent pursuit of Adesanya. But in contrast to that, “The Bad Guy” believes it would be wise for Vakhitov to align himself with the light heavyweight champ.

    “Artem did an interview, and I can’t tell you that he did anything wrong,” Sonnen said. “He’s coming over the MMA and he’s got a win over Pereira. I can’t deny that that story works. … We know that it works, that’s the exact formula Pereira did when he came over; ‘I beat Izzy, I beat your champion. I’m now coming to your sport. I beat him over here, why would I not beat him in this one as well?’ You don’t want to have the secret sauce to beat a guy, and that’s all that you’ve got, ‘I can take out your champion.’ It can’t be, because even if it’s true, you can’t get to him.

    “I feel that the best way to do it is to join him. I feel that instead of Artem coming in and doing what makes the most sense to him, which is create heat, create a story, ‘I want to get to Pereira, I’m gonna start calling Pereira out straight away.’ Believe me, I understand it…(but) kickboxing does not come over with enough of an audience,” Sonnen continued. “I’m only suggesting for you that Artem come in different and he come in with Pereira. ‘We are taking over,’ and he associates himself with Pereira. ‘We kickboxers, we’ve always been the hardest sport.’ … I think if he just associates himself with Alex Pereira, it might be a better approach.’”

    It remains to be seen whether Vakhitov will heed Sonnen’s advice following his recent back and forth with Pereira. For the time being, though, the Russian will be focused on securing his path to the Octagon to ensure he’s competing under the same banner as “Poatan.”

  • Last Man To Beat Alex Pereira In Kickboxing Highlights His Biggest Weakness: ‘You Saw That In His Second Fight With Adesanya…’

    Last Man To Beat Alex Pereira In Kickboxing Highlights His Biggest Weakness: ‘You Saw That In His Second Fight With Adesanya…’

    A figure from Alex Pereira’s kickboxing past sees some gaping holes in the UFC light heavyweight champion’s game.

    When Israel Adesanya reigned supreme over the UFC’s middleweight division and defeat appeared a distant possibility, talk emerged of one man whom he couldn’t get the better of in kickboxing crossing over to mixed martial arts.

    That man was Pereira, who now occupies the light heavyweight throne having previously unseated “The Last Stylebender” at 185 pounds. And “Poatan” is now the subject of similar discussion.

    In 2021 — Pereira’s final year in the striking-only sport — the current UFC star did battle with Artem Vakhitov twice under the Glory Kickboxing banner. After falling on the right side of a split decision first time around, the Brazilian was outpointed in the rematch, marking the end of his journey in the promotion and the sport as a whole.

    Vakhitov, meanwhile, won a single subsequent fight before making his own transition to MMA, where he’s since gone 2-1 inside the cage.

    While still early on in his journey, the Russian appears to already be laying the groundwork for a third combat sports showdown with Pereira in a different environment…

    Artem Vakhitov: Alex Pereira Very ‘Open’ To Punches

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Vakhitov spoke about his venture to MMA and unsurprising desire to work his way to a history-fueled clash against Pereira on the sport’s biggest stage.

    “MMA was always interesting for me anyway, but obviously I am very motivated by the prospect of getting that trilogy match with Pereira,” Vakhitov said. “He’s a superstar now and I am happy for him, but when I hear people saying he’s the best striker in the world … well, I think it’s time for MMA fans to learn about me and my team, put it that way.”

    Vakhitov went on the break down what he seemingly percieves to be an overrated striking game, highlighting the major weakness he sees in Pereira’s approach. And the 33-year-old used “Poatan’s” sole defeat to Adesanya at UFC 287 in April 2023 as the prime example of it.

    “His biggest weakness is that he is all attack, he has no defense,” Vakhitov said. “Because of his lack of defense, he is open to taking a lot of punches to the head if he’s facing a skilled striker. You saw that in his second fight with Adesanya. He got caught because he leaves a lot of openings for people who know what they are doing.

    “These other guys haven’t done well against Alex because their striking isn’t at a high enough level. They aren’t confident against him and they think he’s unbeatable, so in their heart they are already defeated before the fight starts,” Vakhitov continued. “But I have beaten him before in pure striking competition, and I am sure I’ll do it again if we can get our trilogy match in the UFC.”

    Pereira was quick to respond to his former kickboxing rival, advising the Russian to avoid going down this path off the back of what he described as bad advice from somebody close to him.

    “Poatan” signed off by recommending a Vakhitov whom he described as “lost” to seek management, and he even provided a recommendation for his ex-opponent.

  • Former Glory Champion & Last Man To Defeat Alex Pereira In Kickboxing Training With Henry Cejudo: ‘Chama, We Comin’!’

    The last man to defeat Alex Pereira in the kickboxing ring has been quietly going about the process of gaining experience in the world of professional MMA.

    Artem Vakhitov held the Glory Kickboxing light heavyweight world title between 2016 and 2019, before losing it by split decision to “Poatan” in January of 2021. He reclaimed the belt by winning an immediate rematch against the Brazilian later that year, before Pereira moved on to the UFC.

    With a kickboxing record of 23-6 and five Glory title defences to his name, Vakhitov is certainly one of the most decorated and dangerous strikers in the world today. His professional MMA debut against Ashraf Bashandy in June of last year didn’t quite go to plan when an unfortunate landing barely a minute into the bout resulted in a dislocated elbow and a TKO loss for the Russian.

    Vakhitov has rebounded this year in impressive fashion however, by picking up first-round stoppage victories over Siyavush Salkhov and Valisher Khambaev. Following on from a short but impressive amateur career in which he picked up a multitude of submission wins, it certainly seems the Russian is a fighter to keep an eye on.

    Former Glory Champion Who Beat Pereira Links Up With ‘Triple C’

    In an interesting development, it has emerged this week that Vakhitov has teamed up with a new coach in order to develop his skills in MMA.

    Former UFC two-weight world champion Henry Cejudo posted a video of himself and Vakhitov to social media from the stands at UFC 303 this past weekend, during which he seemed to drop hints that the pair may have Alex Pereira in their sights.

    “So guys…allow me to introduce you guys to who’s training with the ‘Triple C’ next” said Cejudo. “I train the best in the world but guess what? Now I got the six-time Glory world champ, the last guy to defeat Alex Pereira, and we have a message for you!”

    The former Olympic gold medallist turned his phone to show Vakhitov, and the Russian simply replied “Chama.” ‘Triple C’ ended the message with, “We comin’”.

    After the successful crossovers of former Glory champions Pereira and Israel Adesanya into the Octagon, is history about to repeat itself?