Artem Vakhitov dismisses the notion that UFC mild heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is the very best striker in MMA.
Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) retained his title by battering Khalil Rountree in Spherical 4 of Saturday’s UFC 307 principal occasion at Delta Middle in Salt Lake Metropolis. Vakhitov (2-1), a former rival of Pereira’s in kickboxing, wasn’t as excessive on Pereira’s efficiency as everybody else was.
“I don’t assume that he’s actually good and the very best striker as a result of to have only one good punch, it doesn’t imply you’re a extremely good striker,” Vakhitov informed Submission Radio.
“An actual striker is somebody who has plenty of mixtures, very totally different alternatives. He’s simply taught properly: one punch and ship in it. However it doesn’t imply having long way and timing and different stuff. So I believe he’s not a extremely good striker due to it.”
Vakhitov and Pereira fought twice in Glory Kickboxing in back-to-back bouts. Pereria gained their first assembly by break up resolution at Glory 77 in January 2021. Vakhitov avenged that loss eight months later by majority resolution at Glory 78.
Pereira mentioned he doubts Vakhitov can recreate their kickboxing historical past within the UFC, however Vakhitov thinks in any other case. The 33-year-old will look to earn a UFC contract Tuesday when he meets Islem Masraf (3-0) at Dana White’s Contender Collection 75 from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
“Sure, for certain I noticed it, and he may say now no matter he desires. However the time will come, and he’ll change his opinion, I’m certain,” Vakhitov mentioned. “Preventing in small gloves is a unique sport. We’ve got an excellent and skilled crew. For certain sooner or later, if the combat would occur, we might do all the things to be prepared for it.”
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