Tag: Artem Vakhitov

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 […]

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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.”

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Michael Bisping Explains Artem Vakhitov Likely Will Compete for UFC Gold Against Alex Pereira

Michael Bisping Explains Artem Vakhitov Likely Will Compete for UFC Gold Against Alex PereiraMichael Bisping thinks it’s just a matter of time before new UFC signee Artem Vakhitov is challenging Alex Pereira…

Michael Bisping Explains Artem Vakhitov Likely Will Compete for UFC Gold Against Alex Pereira

Michael Bisping thinks it’s just a matter of time before new UFC signee Artem Vakhitov is challenging Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title.

Vakhitov earned a contract with the UFC following a big first-round knockout against Islem Masraf on Tuesday’s episode of Dana White’s Contender Series.

Artem Vakhitov

Before making the move to MMA last year, Vakhitov was a former GLORY Kickboxing champion and just so happens to be the last man to have beaten Pereira in the sport before ‘Poatan’ moved onto mixed martial arts.

If the story sounds familiar, don’t be surprised. Pereira fought two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya under the GLORY banner twice and brutally KO’d the ‘Stylebender’ in their second encounter. Adesanya moved on to MMA months later.

Artem Vakhitov

With history seemingly repeating itself, Bisping thinks it’s just a matter of time before Vakhitov works his way up the ranks and challenges Pereira for UFC gold.

“ I think he could do it, I think he’s got the potential” Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “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.” 

Bisping sees the UFC pushing Artem Vakhitov the same way they pushed alex pereira

Like they did with Pereira, Bisping expects the UFC to push Vakhitov fast. Poatan’ infamously earned his first title opportunity after just three fights inside the Octagon.

If Vakhitov can string together a few impressive wins, it’s safe to assume that the promotion will try and wedge him into the title picture and capitalize on the built-in story between the two heavy hitters.

“It’s going to be interesting to see who they match him up with first,” Bisping continued. “But if he goes on, let’s say, a four-or five-fight streak, where he goes out and he knocks people out, then of course there’s a big fight on our hands, and I’m sure Alex Pereira the whole time is going to be willing him on because he wants to get him back. He wants to make money.”

Artem Vakhitov

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 […]

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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 J?drzejczyk 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.

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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 […]

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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

Continue Reading Alex Pereira’s Last Kickboxing Rival Claims He’s Not MMA’s Top Striker at MMA News.

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 […]

Continue Reading Alex Pereira On Chances Of Ex-Kickboxing Foe Finding UFC Success: ‘They Are Not Me, They Are Not Adesanya’ at MMA News.

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.

Continue Reading Alex Pereira On Chances Of Ex-Kickboxing Foe Finding UFC Success: ‘They Are Not Me, They Are Not Adesanya’ at MMA News.

Report – Artem Vakhitov, last fighter to beat Alex Pereira in kickboxing books October Contender Series debut

Artem Vakhitov, last fighter to beat Alex Pereira in kickboxing books October Contender Series debutAccording to reports across social media this Thursday evening, former GLORY Kickboxing light heavyweight champion, Artem Vakhitov is edging…

Artem Vakhitov, last fighter to beat Alex Pereira in kickboxing books October Contender Series debut

According to reports across social media this Thursday evening, former GLORY Kickboxing light heavyweight champion, Artem Vakhitov is edging closer to a long-mooted move to the UFC – reportedly booking an appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series as soon as October.

Vakhitov, a decorated Russian kickboxing talent, currently boasts a 2-1 professional mixed martial arts record, most recently featured back in February in Kazakhstan, turning in a 23-second knockout win over Valisher Khambaev.

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Renowned for his striking ability, Vakhitov, who twice clinched light heavyweight gold under the banner of GLORY Kickboxing, rose to prominence with his pair of fights against former two-weight UFC champion, Alex Pereira – holding the accolade as the final opponent to beat the Brazilian in professional kickboxing.

Sharing the squared circle for the second time back in 2021 in Rotterdam, Vakhitov took home a majority decision win over Sao Paulo native, Pereira, who would depart the promotion in the immediate aftermath of the loss, before making huge waves in the UFC.

Artem Vakhitov responds to Alex Pereira I want to settle the issue in the UFC

Artem Vakhitov reportedly set for Contender Series outing in October

And staking his claim for a trilogy rubber match with the GLORY Kickboxing Hall of Fame star – this time inside the Octagon, Vakhitov will reportedly feature on the Contender Series at the end of the summer, taking on Islem Masraf. 

“Former Glory light heavyweight champion Artem Vakhitov (2-1 in MMA) will face Islem Masraf (3-0) of France in Dana White’s Contender Series on October 8.” Red Corner MMA posted on X. “For Vakhitov, it’s one step closer to fighting Alex Pereira again, this time in the Octagon.”

Calling out Pereira in recent weeks, Vakhitov was hit with an immediate warning from his two-time foe, who urged him to be “careful” in his pursuit of a clash, which he in turn brushed aside.

Alex Pereira targets UFC 310 return in December for title fight that's a good date for me

“It’s been great to see your success and I wish you even more success in the future,” Artem Vakhitov said. “But I am sure you can understand that, for me, it’s strange to be always reading about ‘the best striker on the planet’ when in my opinion, I beat this person twice already. I would like to settle the issue in the UFC Octagon.”

Do you think Artem Vakhitov can work his way to a trilogy fight with Alex Pereira?