Artem Vakhitov’s story feels like one we’ve heard earlier than till it veers off in a little bit of a special route.
Followers searching for a blood-thirsty former rival who will storm into the UFC, badmouth one among its champions, and interact in a heated build-up to a long-awaited third assembly should stay content material with Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya.
Don’t get it twisted: Vakhitov (2-1) needs that crack at Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC), arguably the promotion’s greatest lively star. In spite of everything, they’re tied at one win apiece from showdowns of yesteryear in kickboxing.
However in terms of promoting the combat, Vakhitov has no situation with Pereira. In actual fact, the 2 have exchanged pleasant messages since their pair of kickboxing bouts in 2021. The rivalry is strictly aggressive, however Vakhitov sees potential for his or her abilities to promote one other showdown.
“We now have a narrative with Alex, and it’s alternative to face him once more,” Vakhitov just lately advised MMA Junkie via a Russian interpreter. “It’s an enormous curiosity for me. I’ve seen that strikers are doing actually, very well. I actually wish to present my putting and the way we will do it.
“… It’s nothing private with Alex. After our combat in kickboxing, we have been messaging collectively and have been in touch and had lots of conversations. There’s nothing private. … We now have a really pleasant relationship. I’m simply wishing for him to win as a lot as he can till he meets me.”
How Pereira motivated Vakhitov
Vakhitov and Pereira first confronted off at GLORY 77 in January 2021. Pereira defeated Vakhitov by break up determination. Three months later in September 2021 at GLORY 78, the 2 collided once more. This time, it was Vakhitov by break up determination.
The kickboxing match was Pereira’s remaining one earlier than he absolutely pursued MMA, rapidly rising up the UFC ladder towards title gold in unprecedented vogue.
Seeing Pereira’s success planted the seeds in Vakhitov’s mind. Possibly it was time for him to provide it a shot.
“It motivated me increasingly to (comply with),” Vakhitov stated.
In June 2023, Vakhitov debuted in MMA however suffered a fight-ending shoulder damage within the opening minute. Six months later, he returned and gained by 92-second TKO. He adopted it up with a 22-second TKO resulting from leg kicks.
All of the whereas, talks with the UFC, PFL, and different trade figureheads started.
“We have been in contact a very long time in the past (with the UFC),” Vakhitov stated. “I arrived a number of months in the past for my combat. Additionally, I went to a PFL occasion and met Ray Sefo and different guys, and Cejudo and his supervisor Ali (Abdelaziz). Throughout all this example, we have been in contact with UFC and matchmaker Mick Maynard. My supervisor Andrey Busygin was going via negotiations. We acquired a chance for Dana White’s Contender Collection. This was a really huge pleasure that we acquired this. For certain, we agreed to it, and now we’re right here.”
Dana White’s Contender Collection awaits
Vakhitov, 33, has the chance to earn a UFC contract Tuesday night time at Dana White’s Contender Collection 75 the place he faces Islem Masraf (3-0) in a lightweight heavyweight bout.
Regardless of the stakes, Vakhitov is obstructing out the stakes and specializing in method.
“Clearly, I simply wish to present the nice and technical aspect of kickboxing in MMA,” Vakhitov stated. “Not everyone seems to be wanting and looking for the KO. Some persons are wanting and looking for the nice methods. That is possibly my goal extra.”
Whereas quite a bit should occur earlier than he’s aligned with Pereira as soon as once more, Vakhitov embraces the intertwined nature of their tales, significantly as he has championship aspirations.
“I’m prepared for it,” Vakhitov stated. “Most of all, I have to finalize my upcoming combat first. I’m prepared to do this. As a result of I assume that folks will actually prefer it. For organizers, for promoters, it’s additionally an enormous curiosity. I’m able to do it. Let’s go.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for DWCS 75.
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