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
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