Artem Vakhitov: The Unyielding Fighter on a Collision Course with Alex Pereira
In the world of MMA, the intense rivalry between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya has captivated fans, but a new chapter is unfolding as Artem Vakhitov, a two-time Glory Light Heavyweight Champion, sets his sights on Pereira. Vakhitov’s declaration of intent to challenge Pereira for a trilogy match has ignited excitement among fans, promising another electrifying showdown between these formidable athletes.
Vakhitov’s Rise to Kickboxing Stardom
Artem Vakhitov was born in Prokopyevsk, Russia, in 1991. His journey in combat sports began at the tender age of five, under his father’s guidance. By the time he was six, he was already immersed in karate. This early start laid a strong foundation, but a family move to the city disrupted his training. However, Vakhitov’s passion for martial arts persisted, leading him to the Kuzbass Muay Thai gym, where he trained under the renowned coach Vitaly Miller. It was here that he encountered Artem Levin, a former Glory Middleweight Champion, whose influence significantly shaped Vakhitov’s development as a kickboxer.
Vakhitov’s professional debut came in 2009 at the ‘Souboj Titanu’ tournament in the Czech Republic, where he showcased his potential by reaching the finals. His journey through various kickboxing organizations eventually led him to Glory in 2013 at ‘Glory 9’ in New York City. His prowess as an elite striker quickly became evident, and he embarked on an impressive winning streak. However, his first loss under the Glory banner came at the hands of Saulo Cavalari in 2015 via a split decision. Vakhitov, undeterred, avenged this loss at Glory 28, reclaiming his position by winning the Glory Light Heavyweight title.
View this post on Instagram
The Unresolved Rivalry with Alex Pereira
The rivalry between Vakhitov and Pereira is one of the most captivating stories in kickboxing. Their first encounter at Glory 77 in 2021 saw Pereira ending Vakhitov’s streak of five title defenses with a split decision victory. This fight was a masterclass of high-level kickboxing, with both men displaying exceptional skills. The close nature of the fight led to an immediate rematch at Glory 78, where Vakhitov emerged victorious by majority decision, reclaiming his title. The bout was marred by controversy due to a point deduction against Pereira for excessive clinching, a decision that sparked debate among fans and pundits.
Vakhitov’s statement, “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,” highlights the anticipation surrounding their potential third bout. With Pereira now a prominent figure in MMA, the prospect of a trilogy fight in the UFC adds another layer of intrigue to their storied rivalry.
View this post on Instagram
Training for Greatness
Vakhitov’s success is a testament to his dedication and the expertise of his coaches. Vitaly Miller has been a pivotal figure in Vakhitov’s career, guiding him since his early days in kickboxing. For his transition to MMA, Vakhitov has joined the ‘Kill Cliff FC’ gym in Florida, founded by Henri Hooft and Greg Jones. This gym has produced notable UFC fighters such as Kamaru Usman, Michael Chandler, Luke Rockhold, and Robbie Lawler. Additionally, Vakhitov has enlisted the help of Henry Cejudo, the former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion, known as ‘Triple C’. Cejudo’s involvement underscores Vakhitov’s commitment to evolving his skills for the MMA arena.
In a recent social media post, Cejudo introduced Vakhitov, saying,
“I train the best in the world but guess what? Now I got the six-time Glory world champ, the last guy to defeat Alex Pereira, and we have a message for you!”
The Path to UFC
As of now, Vakhitov has not been signed by the UFC, but his ambition is clear. With a professional MMA record of 2-1, Vakhitov is determined to secure a trilogy bout with Pereira under the UFC’s banner. His statement to MMAJunkie, “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,” reflects his confidence and readiness for the challenge.
In conclusion, Vakhitov’s pursuit of a trilogy fight with Pereira is not just a personal quest but a potential spectacle for combat sports fans worldwide. The possibility of reigniting their rivalry in the UFC promises to be one of the most thrilling displays of elite striking in the sport’s history.
