Alex Pereira would possibly simply have one other challenger to his UFC gentle heavyweight title.
Russian kickboxer and combined martial artist Artem Vakhitov was awarded a UFC contract Tuesday night time in Las Vegas following a first-round end of Islem Masraf within the newest version of Dana White’s Contender Collection, which can see him land within the UFC’s 205-pound subject and maybe in the future work himself into place to problem Pereira — who had flown from Salt Lake Metropolis to Las Vegas to witness the efficiency of his former rival.
What a option to shut Week 9! 🇷🇺Artem Vakhitov with a artful creation of strikes to safe the primary RD end! #DWCS pic.twitter.com/gvYxqX72G9
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) October 9, 2024
Vakhitov is, like Pereira, a former Glory gentle heavyweight champion and has competed twice towards the Brazilian champion — with their collection presently tied at one win apiece. He’s additionally the final man to carry a victory of Pereira beneath kickboxing guidelines. Earlier this yr, Vakhitov was rated as the perfect gentle heavyweight kickboxer on the earth, in addition to the fourth greatest pound-for-pound.
Talking after the battle on Tuesday, UFC boss Dana White stated that Pereira had given a glowing suggestion that Vakhitov “completely, positively” be signed by the organisation.
Vakhitov’s entrance to the UFC considerably mirrors that of Pereira, who joined the battle league following his rivalry with then-UFC champ Israel Adesanya the place he held two wins over ‘Stylebender.’ They might battle twice within the UFC, with every man profitable the UFC middleweight title from the opposite.
