Most people know Joe Rogan for one of the biggest podcasts in the world, and more. Others may know him from the UFC, where he has been a commentator for over two decades, or from his stand-up comedy. But not many know that once upon a time the Texas resident actually wanted to be a kickboxer. And Rogan was quite good too, having won state championships as a teen. However, the brain damage he was getting, and the lack of money in the sport made him quit. Perhaps that is why he has so much regard and respect for martial artists, especially kickboxers, who Rogan thinks are criminally underrated.

His love for kickboxing was evident as he discussed former Glory FC kickboxing champion Artem Vakhitov. The Russian was the one who beat Alex Pereira in the latter’s last kickboxing bout at Glory in 2021. Vakhitov is now a mixed martial artist and is eager to get into the UFC and face his old foe in the octagon. Rogan praised Vakhitov as a great champion who made the whole division better because of how good he was.

“The thing when you have an incredible champion is that it really does make everyone inspired, it makes people rise, and makes your skills better. Did you ever watch Artem Vakhitov fight in Glory? Artem Vakhitov is the last guy to beat to beat Alex [Pereira] at Glory, and he’s nasty. He’s this Russian kickboxer, he’s really really f***ing good, super technical,” he said.

This conversation about kickboxers reminded Rogan’s podcast guest, UFC light heavyweight Khalil Rountree Jr. of the time he went to a gym in Belgium to practice with a few Glory FC guys. So intense, and hard was the training, so taxing were the sessions, and so good were the kickboxers that ‘War Horse’ quit only after two days! And Vakhitov, who is amongst the best of that ilk, is now one step from entering the UFC.

Artem Vakhitov to fight on Contender Series in October

Artem Vakhitov has transitioned to MMA and already has three pro fights under his belt. While his MMA debut ended disastrously as he dislocated his shoulder in the first 55 seconds, and thus losing the bout, he bounced back strongly and finished his other two opponents in the very first round.

Now, however, he is preparing to take the next step and join the UFC. To this end, he is scheduled to fight on Dana White‘s Contender Series on October 8. And the Russian former Glory champion has some unfinished business with ‘Poatan’. Of their two fights at Glory, Pereira won the first via a split decision, while Vakhitov won a majority decision in their rematch.

As the results of their fights suggest, both of their fights were incredibly close. This is why the Russian former Glory champion wants to have his trilogy bout with Pereira, to resolve once and for all, who the better striker is. “I am very motivated by the prospect of getting that trilogy match with Pereira. He’s a superstar now… 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,” Vakhitov said in an interview earlier this year. And the whole UFC world is waiting to do precisely that.

What are your thoughts on Artem Vakhitov coming to the UFC?