October 10, 2024 8:00 am ET
The historical past between Alex Pereira and Artem Vakhitov was on full show Tuesday throughout Dana White’s Contender Series 75.
Twice kickboxing rivals in GLORY, Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) and Vakhitov (3-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) might break the tie in MMA now that they’re each underneath the UFC umbrella.
Vakhitov earned a UFC contract Tuesday when he completed opponent Islem Masraf (3-1) with strikes in the first round. Pereira flew out to spectate the struggle from cageside.
In line with UFC CEO Dana White, his suggestion was additionally taken into consideration when deciding if the promotion would prolong a proposal to Vakhitov, which he did.
Whereas there’s super respect between the 2 former GLORY champions, there’s additionally an acknowledgment of their historical past and the potential they might meet once more. Try their two kickboxing matches in full within the movies beneath.
Date: Jan. 30, 2021
Date: Sept. 24, 2021 You’ll want to go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of blended martial arts.
Battle 1: Glory 77
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Consequence: Alex Pereira def. Artem Vakhitov through break up determination (scorecards not introduced)
Battle 2: Glory 77
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Consequence: Artem Vakhitov def. Alex Pereira through majority determination (48-46, 46-48, 47-47, 48-46, 49-45)
