Alex Pereira might just have another challenger to his UFC light heavyweight title.
Russian kickboxer and mixed martial artist Artem Vakhitov was awarded a UFC contract Tuesday night in Las Vegas following a first-round finish of Islem Masraf in the latest edition of Dana White’s Contender Series, which will see him land in the UFC’s 205-pound field and perhaps one day work himself into position to challenge Pereira — who had flown from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas to witness the performance of his former rival.
What a way to close Week 9! 🇷🇺Artem Vakhitov with a crafty creation of strikes to secure the first RD finish! #DWCS pic.twitter.com/gvYxqX72G9
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) October 9, 2024
Vakhitov is, like Pereira, a former Glory light heavyweight champion and has competed twice against the Brazilian champion — with their series currently tied at one win apiece. He is also the last man to hold a victory of Pereira under kickboxing rules. Earlier this year, Vakhitov was rated as the best light heavyweight kickboxer in the world, as well as the fourth best pound-for-pound.
Speaking after the fight on Tuesday, UFC boss Dana White said that Pereira had given a glowing recommendation that Vakhitov “absolutely, positively” be signed by the organisation.
Vakhitov’s entrance to the UFC somewhat mirrors that of Pereira, who joined the fight league following his rivalry with then-UFC champ Israel Adesanya where he held two wins over ‘Stylebender.’ They would fight twice in the UFC, with each man winning the UFC middleweight title from the other.
