Artem Vakhitov gained his battle on Dana White’s Contender Collection this previous October and he was instantly provided a contract to hitch the UFC roster, however in the end handed after the 2 sides couldn’t come to an settlement on phrases.
Whereas the UFC sometimes presents each fighter the identical deal coming off that sequence, 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 truly defeated the previous UFC gentle heavyweight champion in Pereira’s last 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 an alternative signing to return to his previous stomping grounds at GLORY as an alternative.
“After all, there was a little bit of disappointment as a result of we have been approaching that aim for fairly a while [in the UFC],” Vakhitov instructed MMA Preventing via a Russian translator. “On the similar 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, all the pieces occurs for the perfect, so no downside.”
Ideally, Vakhitov would have adopted the identical method 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 grow to be middleweight champion in simply his fourth battle with the promotion. Doing the Contender Collection, Vakhitov felt like he was going to stroll an analogous path, particularly after the UFC caught him talking to Pereira backstage after his win.
However Vakhitov and his group 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 potential as a result of the story isn’t over,” Vakhitov stated. “We’re going to have this battle and let’s see afterwards.”
So far as his rivalry with Pereira goes, it was only a few months after Vakhitov was provided his UFC contract that “Poaton” misplaced his gentle heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev by determination. All indicators level in the direction of a rematch someday in 2025 and Vakhitov expects Pereira to get his revenge.
“After all, I used to be watching [Pereira vs. Ankalaev],” Vakhitov stated. “I believe Alex did nicely with the manufacturing however he didn’t do his finest. So it was not sufficient of what he has executed. I believe that the subsequent battle 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 anticipate his first battle again to return towards reigning heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven.
The Dutch legend is well known as the highest kickboxer on the planet with a ridiculous reign as champion having been on the prime of the mountain for greater than 4,000 days and with a exceptional successful streak besides. The battle presents a whole lot 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 stated 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 greater, taller, who’ve greater weights than I do. I’ve all the time been difficult myself attempting to battle 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 greater opponent, he’s assured he may give Verhoeven issues many heavyweights have been unable to do throughout his reign as champion. He’s relying on these expertise to assist him pull off the upset and vanquish Verhoeven in spectacular style.
“Initially, I depend on the velocity, some form of mixture with the motion and my energy is in that,” Vakhitov stated. “The techniques and I believe he’ll prefer it. I believe he’ll like how I battle.”
