Following yet another brutal knockout victory in the octagon, it’s safe to say that almost everyone within the combat sports world believes that Alex Pereira is one of the best strikers in the UFC.
We say ‘almost everyone’ because the last man to beat him in kickboxing, Artem Vakhitov, has now come out to slam Poatan for being a ‘one-punch’ specialist – the Russian breaks down UFC 307 ahead of his upcoming debut on Dana White’s Contender Series later this week.
Artem Vakhitov reacts to Alex Pereira’s KO win at UFC 307
In just three short years, Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira has gone from promotional newcomer to the single biggest superstar on the active UFC roster; having joined the MMA world leader back in 2021 after suffering a razor-close decision loss to Artem Vakhitov in GLORY kickboxing.
Given how Vakhitov will get the chance to join Pereira as a UFC fighter later this week, the Russian has now come out to give his opinion on the Brazilian’s recent knockout of Khalil Rountree Jr at UFC 307.
“Yeah of course we watched it, we watched it with the team, and we sort of broke it down,” he stated to Submission Radio, explaining how “In principle, the result was what we expected – Alex was going to win this although Khalil did put up a good effort early in the fight.
“It was clear to see that Alex was comfortable to begin with but then from the second round, he was able to land his shots, and after the third, it was his fight [to win] and he was able to finish him.”
With seven of his nine wins in the octagon coming via KO/TKO, countless UFC fans believe Alex Pereira to be the best striker in the entire MMA world – but not Vakhitov.
“I don’t think that he’s the best striker because to have just one good punch, that doesn’t mean that he’s a really good striker.
“A real striker is someone who has a lot of combinations, very different opportunities you know, he was just fought well with one punch and [is good at] delivering it but you know, that doesn’t mean [anything].”
Whilst Vakhitov admitted that he “really couldn’t say who is the best” striker in the UFC, he did state that it won’t be long before he claims that moniker for himself: “But I believe that we could be the best.
“He can talk for now about whatever he wants, but the time will come, and he will change his opinion I’m sure,” noted the 33-year-old, with the possibility of a rematch in MMA being front and center following UFC 307.
“Fighting in small gloves is a different kind of sport but we have a very good [and] experienced team and in the future, if that fight [with Alex] did happen, we will do everything to be ready.”
In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow a few months ago, Vakhitov would claim that he’s coming to the UFC to put an end to Alex Pereira’s championship reign – although he’ll need to win this week’s clash on DWCS if that is to remain his goal.
Artem Vakhitov to make his debut on Dana White’s Contender Series this week
Artem Vakhitov is set to headline this week’s episode of Dana White’s Contender Series, scheduled for Tuesday, October 8 on ESPN+, against French hopeful Islem ‘Lightning’ Masraf.
“My coaches did a good analysis of him [Masraf] and for sure we prepare for anything in his style; we saw that he’s mostly a striker guy but we’re ready for anything he could offer us in the fight.
“I’ve got a good fanbase in kickboxing and I love that people continue watching my MMA career, I appreciate it and thank you very much… We will show everything for you guys [on Tuesday].”
Should Vakhitov earn a UFC contract and a spot on the roster, he suggests that his first fight in the promotion could come against veteran Dustin Jacoby.
“I want to fight against any striker, but if we could focus on someone special it would be Jacoby because he also went out from Glory to the UFC – that’s a possible fight.”
Catch Vakhitov’s long-awaited debut on DWCS this Tuesday, live on ESPN+.
- WARRIOR: Khalil Rountree vows to return ‘even better’ in his first statement since KO loss at UFC 307