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Artem Vakhitov, a seasoned kickboxing champion, is targeting a new challenge in MMA: a trilogy fight with UFC champion Alex Pereira. Following in Pereira’s footsteps, Vakhitov aims to transition his kickboxing success into the octagon and settle an old score.
Pereira made headlines when he shifted to MMA and secured a victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 281, fulfilling his long-held ambition. Vakhitov, now on a similar path, seeks to replicate that success by challenging Pereira, whom he has previously faced twice under the GLORY Kickboxing banner.
Their rivalry stands at one win apiece. Pereira edged out Vakhitov in a split decision in January 2017, but Vakhitov avenged that loss later that year with a majority decision victory, marking Pereira's last defeat in kickboxing before his UFC debut.
Despite their mutual respect, Vakhitov is determined to have the final word in their competitive saga.
"We are 1-1 against each other, so the next fight will be the trilogy fight and I think that will be a big fight for fans all over the world,” Vakhitov said. “We are both top-level strikers. We are throwing punches, knees, and kicks constantly. Watch our two fights in GLORY Kickboxing and then imagine we are in the UFC octagon with small gloves on, and I’ll be very confident for that fight. Alex will be completely analyzed by Vitaly Miller and the Kuzbass Team. We will have all his mistakes identified and I will be fully prepared to take advantage when I step in there.”
Since transitioning to MMA in 2023, Vakhitov, 33, has compiled a 2-1 record. After an initial loss due to an elbow injury, he rebounded with two swift TKO victories. Training at Kill Cliff FC in Florida, Vakhitov is sharpening his MMA skills, driven by the prospect of a third fight with Pereira.
“I’m working on my MMA game every day,” Vakhitov shared. “MMA was always interesting for me, anyway, but obviously I am very motivated by the prospect of getting that trilogy match with Pereira. He’s a superstar now and I am happy for him, but when I hear people saying he’s the best striker in the world … Well, I think it’s time for MMA fans to learn about me and my team – put it that way.”
Vakhitov believes he has what it takes to defeat Pereira again, pointing out perceived weaknesses in Pereira’s defence.
“His biggest weakness is that he is all attack – he has no defence,” Vakhitov explained. “Because of his lack of defence, he is open to taking a lot of punches to the head if he’s facing a skilled striker. You saw that in his second fight with Adesanya. He got caught because he leaves a lot of openings for people who know what they are doing.”
As anticipation grows, the potential showdown between Vakhitov and Pereira promises to be a captivating event, showcasing the talents of two elite strikers in the MMA arena.
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