Alex Pereira has dominated the Octagon with his superior striking ever since he began fighting for the UFC in 2021. Needless to say, the Brazilian mixed martial artist has faced only one defeat in the MMA promotion and is on a 5-fight win streak. However, there was a time when the ‘Poatan’ faced a troublesome fighter when fighting under the banner of Glory Kickboxing. And it was none other than Artem Vakhitov. 

Vakhitov had defeated Pereira twice in kickboxing and attracted the light heavyweight champion’s attention even before he stepped into the Octagon at Dana White’s Contender Series season 8 week 9. No doubt, he sent forth a bit of lashing for his former opponent. But little did he know that Pereira was the one who endorsed Vakhitov prior to his performance at DWCS. 

Alex Pereira convinces Dana White about Artem Vakhitov’s strength as he gets inducted into the UFC

On October 8, 2024, the Russian fighter fought Islem Masraf at DWCS season 8. Within just 4.23 reading on the clock, Vakhitov defeated his opponent with a flurry of punches. No wonder, he got Dana White’s complete attention. Following the fights, the UFC head honcho decided to let the light heavyweight contender know what Alex Pereira had to say about him before welcoming him into the UFC. 

White said, “So, this was an interesting fight. More clinching than I expected. And you obviously got the job done, you got the finish. And I actually called Alex back with me to talk about this fight and your win, and what he thought. Obviously, you know, you have a ton of experience. You got like 30 pro fights, not including MMA. And Alex said you absolutely, positively deserve a shot in the UFC. So, thank you, Alex Pereira, and get over here Artem.”

Even though Pereira was excited to welcome his former rival into the UFC, Vakhitov seemed to previously believe that the man with the hands of stone was simply afraid of his capabilities. After all, he had previously defeated him twice. Nevertheless, the Soviet-born fighter became the 4th fighter to get into the UFC because of Pereira. And the UFC CEO was left with no words except “It’s fascinating.” 

This had the entire world of mixed martial arts wondering about the reason why Vakhitov undermined Pereira. Let’s find out!

Vakhitov talks about ‘Poatan’s emotions before stepping in for DWCS

Talking to MMA Fighting, Vakhitov claimed that he would be one of the handful of fighters who can truly defeat the man with the hands of stone in striking. He said, “I didn’t ask for any attention from him but he already knows he lost to me two times. It’s worrying him a little bit… You see now that he is very easily beating all the guys now. For sure, they really needed some guy who can beat him in that striking style. I guess we will see who is the best striker very soon.”

But the fighting community has been expecting the Russian to have a rematch against the Brazilian in the Octagon. And Vakhitov knew it pretty well. However, he took no pressure and would accept any challenge the MMA promotion would throw at him. In case he found a bout against Pereira, he was confident that he would rise victorious. He said, “I just have it in my own way. My aim and my focus is only on Dana White’s Contender Series for sure. If I will get Pereira in the future, I will show a great fight and let’s hope that will be meet soon in the octagon.”

With the UFC head honcho already impressed with Pereira’s endorsement, and Vakhitov’s DWCS performance, the fight fans can soon expect to witness a new challenge rising in the light heavyweight division. But how soon will he fight ‘Poatan’ is something that only time can tell.

What are your thoughts on Pereira’s words for his former rival? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.