Artem Vakhitov lately gained a battle on Dana White’s Contender Collection, incomes a contract with the UFC. This was important as a result of Vakhitov is the final particular person to beat Alex Pereira in kickboxing. In the course of the occasion, Pereira watched Vakhitov’s battle and spoke with him afterward, displaying mutual respect.
Dana White talked about that Pereira performed a key function in convincing him to signal Artem Vakhitov, praising his expertise and expressing that the Contender Collection is a high-pressure atmosphere. Vakhitov, nevertheless, doesn’t assume Pereira is the perfect striker, criticizing him for counting on a single highly effective punch.
Artem Vakhitov Knockout on Dana White’s Contender Collection
Alex Pereira’s Rival Artem Vakhitov Signed to the UFC
Artem Vakhitov had a giant win on Dana White’s Contender Collection, which earned him a UFC contract. He knocked out Islem Masraf in the course of the battle. Vakhitov is identified for being a two-time champion in kickboxing and is the final particular person to defeat Alex Pereira in that sport.
Pereira watched Vakhitov’s battle dwell and even talked to him afterward. They appeared to have a great relationship. Vakhitov congratulated Pereira and expressed his hope that they may face one another once more within the UFC, saying there’s “nothing however respect” between them.
The Russian-born striker advised ‘Poatan’
“I’m very blissful to see you successful. I like what’s taking place with you proper now. So hold successful. I’ll be watching. I’ll be centered on myself, and hopefully after a number of extra defenses it’ll occur that we meet one another once more [in the Octagon]. Nothing however respect. All love, and it’s simply sports activities, that’s all it’s.”
Dana White, the UFC president, confirmed that Pereira helped persuade him to signal Vakhitov. White famous he was impressed by Vakhitov’s expertise, though he was stunned by his grappling in the course of the battle. He additionally talked about that Pereira acknowledged the stress of competing within the Contender Collection, stating that he was glad he by no means needed to undergo it himself. The Brazilian world champion mentioned:
“That’s why I’m so late. I’ve been again there speaking to Alex this entire time. He mentioned, ‘Clearly, somewhat extra clinching than you’ll anticipate.’ You’ll anticipate the opposite man to clinch with him, not him clinching. However he mentioned, ‘That is what I feel. I feel he’s gifted sufficient. I feel he deserves to be right here. He’s had, clearly, a ton of fights in his profession.’ Which is what I assumed too stepping into.”
Vakhitov, regardless of their previous battles, has a low opinion of Pereira’s hanging capacity. He believes that simply having a powerful punch doesn’t make somebody a terrific striker, suggesting that actual strikers ought to have various methods and mixtures.
