Artem Vakhitov gained his combat on Dana White’s Contender Sequence this previous October and he was instantly supplied a contract to affix the UFC roster, however finally handed after the 2 sides couldn’t come to an settlement on phrases.
Whereas the UFC sometimes affords each fighter the identical deal coming off that collection, Vakhitov felt like he ought to have some room to barter given his standing as a five-time defending GLORY kickboxing champion—to not point out his historical past with Alex Pereira. The Russian really defeated the previous UFC gentle heavyweight champion in Pereira’s remaining kickboxing match and it appeared just like the stage was set for a possible reunion within the UFC.
Sadly, that by no means occurred with Vakhitov passing on the UFC’s provide and as a substitute signing to return to his previous stomping grounds at GLORY as a substitute.
“In fact, there was a little bit of disappointment as a result of we had been approaching that purpose for fairly a while [in the UFC],” Vakhitov instructed MMA Preventing by means of a Russian translator. “On the identical time, we additionally needed to have one thing honorable, so good situations for all of us and eventually to get to Alex Pereira. However as we are saying, every part occurs for the most effective, so no drawback.”
Ideally, Vakhitov would have adopted the identical components Pereira did coming to the UFC when he had two wins over then-middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.
Pereira earned loads of recognition from these previous wins after which he picked up three victories within the UFC earlier than he knocked out Adesanya to turn out to be middleweight champion in simply his fourth combat with the promotion. Doing the Contender Sequence, Vakhitov felt like he was going to stroll an identical path, particularly after the UFC caught him talking to Pereira backstage after his win.
However Vakhitov and his crew couldn’t come to phrases with the UFC on a deal they felt was honest and he determined to not signal with them. Nonetheless, Vakhitov isn’t closing the door on probably working with the UFC once more at some point or probably returning to MMA.
“It may be, it’s very attainable as a result of the story shouldn’t be over,” Vakhitov mentioned. “We’re going to have this combat and let’s see afterwards.”
So far as his rivalry with Pereira goes, it was just some months after Vakhitov was supplied his UFC contract that “Poaton” misplaced his gentle heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev by resolution. All indicators level in direction of a rematch someday in 2025 and Vakhitov expects Pereira to get his revenge.
“In fact, I used to be watching [Pereira vs. Ankalaev],” Vakhitov mentioned. “I believe Alex did nicely with the manufacturing however he didn’t do his finest. So it was not sufficient of what he has finished. I believe that the following combat that they’re going to have, the outcome would be the reverse.”
After passing on the UFC’s provide, Vakhitov was happy GLORY got here calling with an opportunity to return to the kickboxing world, however even he didn’t count on his first combat again to return towards reigning heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven.
The Dutch legend is widely known as the highest kickboxer on the planet with a ridiculous reign as champion having been on the high of the mountain for greater than 4,000 days and with a outstanding successful streak as well. The combat presents loads of challenges, particularly since Vakhitov is a pure gentle heavyweight, however he’s excited to check himself towards anyone like Verhoeven at GLORY 100 on Saturday.
“He’s an excellent fighter,” Vakhitov mentioned about Verhoeven. “All of us noticed the knockdowns he’s had and how briskly he was recovering. I’d name him ‘Braveheart’ however he by no means had an opponent pretty much as good as I’m. Quick, fast, sly and now we’ll attempt to interrupt his [winning streak].
“I’ve by no means had any points preventing with guys who’re larger, taller, who’ve larger weights than I do. I’ve at all times been difficult myself making an attempt to combat with such opponents. So it was not a shock for me and I really feel completely comfy.”
Whereas Vakhitov is giving up some bodily benefits to his larger opponent, he’s assured he can provide Verhoeven issues many heavyweights have been unable to do throughout his reign as champion. He’s relying on these abilities to assist him pull off the upset and vanquish Verhoeven in spectacular vogue.
“To start with, I depend on the pace, some form of mixture with the motion and my energy is in that,” Vakhitov mentioned. “The techniques and I believe he’ll prefer it. I believe he’ll like how I combat.”
