October 8, 2024 10:11 pm ET
Artem Vakhitov hasn’t even had a UFC struggle 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 aircraft from Connecticut to Las Vegas to witness in individual Vakhitov (3-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) earn a UFC deal at Dana White’s Contender Series 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 struggle, UFC CEO Dana White mentioned 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 mild 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 received the primary struggle by cut up determination and Vakhitov received the second by majority determination.
Vakhitov told MMA Junkie previous to the bout that whereas he actually needs to struggle 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 one hundred pc ending fee.
Dana White mentioned that Alex Pereira informed 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:
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for DWCS 75.
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