Decorated kickboxing world champion Artem Vakhitov is hunting down UFC star Alex Pereira to pursue their trilogy fight.
Vakhitov, 33, is a seven-time light-heavyweight champion for kickboxing promotion Glory but is now trying to win an MMA world title after switching sports. The Russian has faced Pereira twice in the ring, losing to him at the start of 2021 but avenging his defeat in their rematch later that year.
Pereira signed with the UFC with just four MMA fights under his belt and Vakhitov, who is unbeaten in three fights, wants to follow in his rival's footsteps. "My main goal is to become a champion and dominate in my weight," Vakhitov told Mirror Fighting. "Pereira is a very strong participant and is very good in attacking, but I'm sure in myself that I am the best."
Vakhitov is hoping Pereira, who fights Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 tonight, can hold onto his world title until their inevitable trilogy fight takes place. The Russian's career switch bears a striking resemblance to what Pereira did, as he chased down kickboxing rival Israel Adesanya and dethroned him to become a UFC champion in their third encounter.
Pereira is regarded as one of the UFC's top strikers but Vakhitov believes the world champion has some big holes in his game. "I don't consider him to be the best," he added. "He entered MMA and is beating everyone, but I know his weaknesses and I can exploit that. Alex's defence is totally missing and if you build a good plan, he can beaten."
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Vakhitov trains under renowned striking coach Vitaliy Miller and plans to work with UFC legend Henry Cejudo to improve his ground game. "I am totally ready to enter the UFC and to become a champion. I have a big name from kickboxing and I wish Alex to win his next fight, then wait for me. I am only improving and I can't wait to meet him again," he added.
Pereira's striking skills and intimidating persona have made him a UFC fan favourite and Vakhitov thinks he will be a big hit with Western fans when he signs for the promotion. "After I fight Alex for the third time I expect my audience to expand drastically, he is a good guy and I wish him all of the best," he said.