Artem Vakhitov hasn’t even had a UFC combat but, and the promotional wheels are already turning for an Alex Pereira showdown.
Two days after his UFC 307 title protection, Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) boarded a airplane from Connecticut to Las Vegas to witness in particular person Vakhitov (3-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) earn a UFC deal at Dana White’s Contender Sequence 75.
Vakhitov was affected person as he waited for his second to considerably assault French heavyweight Islem Masraf (3-1) with a flurry for a TKO stoppage at 4:23 of Spherical 1.
After the combat, UFC CEO Dana White stated he debated what he ought to do with Vakhitov however consulted Pereira, who gave a convincing “completely, positively.”
THE RIGHT HAND FROM ARTEM VAKHITOV 💥 #DWCS pic.twitter.com/9f379qJMX0
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 9, 2024
Vakhitov, 33, is a two-time Glory gentle heavyweight champion, who defended the title 5 occasions. He’s the final man to defeat Pereira in kickboxing.
The 2 fighters are tied 1-1 of their lifetime collection. Pereira gained the primary combat by break up determination and Vakhitov gained the second by majority determination.
Vakhitov instructed MMA Junkie previous to the bout that whereas he actually needs to combat Pereira once more, the 2 are pleasant and respectful with out unhealthy blood.
He transitioned to MMA in June 2023 and suffered an damage within the bout. After back-to-back finishes, he earned his DWCS shot and maintained his 100% ending price.
Dana White stated that Alex Pereira instructed him to signal Artem Vakhitov after his knockout win on #DWCS 👀 pic.twitter.com/ByV4mdcJIS
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 9, 2024
Up-to-the-minute DWCS 75 outcomes embrace:
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