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Artem Vakhitov Eyes Trilogy Fight with Alex Pereira in the UFC
The world of combat sports is abuzz with the prospect of a potential trilogy fight between Artem Vakhitov and Alex Pereira. Their rivalry, which began in the kickboxing ring, saw Pereira win the first bout and claim Vakhitov's light heavyweight title, only for Vakhitov to avenge his loss in their rematch. Now, with Pereira making waves in the UFC, Vakhitov is eager to follow suit and settle the score in the octagon.
A Rivalry Renewed
Their first encounter in the world of kickboxing was nothing short of spectacular. Pereira's victory was a defining moment, showcasing his striking prowess and securing the light heavyweight title. However, Vakhitov's resilience and determination shone through in their second fight, where he emerged victorious, proving that he was not to be underestimated.
With both fighters holding a win over the other, the stage is perfectly set for a decisive third fight, this time in the UFC. Vakhitov, confident in his striking abilities, believes that he can once again triumph over Pereira. "He [Pereira] got caught [against Adesanya] because he leaves a lot of openings for people who know what they are doing," Vakhitov said. "... I have beaten him before in pure striking competition, and I am sure I'll do it again if we can get our trilogy match in the UFC."
What Would a UFC Bout Look Like?
A potential UFC fight between Vakhitov and Pereira would be a striking fan's dream. Both fighters have a background in kickboxing, bringing elite-level striking skills to the octagon. Pereira's transition to MMA has been impressive, utilizing his kickboxing foundation to devastating effect. His knockout power and precision have already made him a formidable force in the UFC.
Vakhitov, on the other hand, would need to adapt his striking game to the nuances of MMA. The addition of grappling, wrestling, and ground game elements would pose new challenges for the Russian fighter. However, his confidence in his striking abilities suggests he believes he can overcome these hurdles and compete at the highest level.
Will We See Vakhitov in the UFC?
The big question remains: will Artem Vakhitov make the jump to the UFC? His callout to Pereira indicates a strong desire to transition to MMA and reignite their rivalry on a new stage. However, the path to the UFC is not straightforward. Fighters often need to prove themselves in other MMA organizations or build a strong case for their inclusion through their combat sports pedigree.
Pereira's response to Vakhitov's challenge adds another layer of intrigue. "Hey Brother... Be careful with the people who are giving you an idea to do that, the same person who mentored you tried with me too but I didn't because I'm not dumb..." Pereira wrote. "Everyone knows that when they gave you the victory it's because I already had a conversation with GLORY that would be my last fight in the organization and they didn't want me to leave with the belt!
"You seem a little lost and I'm pretty sure you're without an entrepreneur, because to expose yourself that way is what I think!"
Pereira's comments suggest a level of skepticism about Vakhitov's intentions and readiness for the UFC. The former kickboxing champion's transition to MMA would require careful planning and preparation. Nonetheless, the prospect of seeing these two elite strikers clash once more is tantalizing.
Conclusion
The potential trilogy fight between Artem Vakhitov and Alex Pereira in the UFC has all the makings of a classic. With their history in kickboxing and Vakhitov's confidence in his striking abilities, fans are eager to see if the Russian can make a successful transition to MMA and challenge Pereira once again.
Whether or not Vakhitov joins the UFC, the story of their rivalry continues to captivate the combat sports world. As Pereira continues his ascent in the UFC, the possibility of a third fight against Vakhitov remains a thrilling prospect that could add a new chapter to their storied rivalry. Fight.TV is here for it!
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