Artem Vakichtov, the last man to defeat Alex Pereira in kickboxing, signs a UFC contract 👀
Dana White says he gave Alex Pereira a contract because he said he deserved it 🤝
#DWCS #UFC
#mixed martial artspic.twitter.com/8FhySR8MhE
— Championship Round (@ChampRDS)
October 9, 2024
Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira helped lead rival Artem Vakitov to the UFC.
At DWCS 2024: Week 9 on Tuesday, Vakitov defeated Islem Maslav by first-round technical knockout (3 wins, 1 loss). However, UFC CEO Dana White did not expect such a clinch to occur and thought twice before awarding Vakhitov a contract. White asked Pereira, his biggest star and former enemy of Wakhitov, who was sitting cageside, for his opinion.
“This was an interesting match and it was decided more than I expected. And you obviously got the job done and put the finishing touches on. And I actually called Alex to talk about this match and your win. I called back…and Alex said you absolutely, definitely deserve to be in the UFC.”
Vakitov is a two-time Glory Kickboxing Light Heavyweight Champion with five title defenses on his resume. Vakhitov and Pereira have a 1-1 record, with Pereira winning by split decision in the first round and the Russian avenging himself by majority decision in the rematch.
Vakitov made his MMA debut in 2023, but lost in the first round due to injury. Since then, he has posted three consecutive first-round finishes, the most recent of which earned him a UFC contract on Tuesday.
