Alex Pereira's old adversary, Artem Vakhitov explains why wrestlers struggle against 'Poatan': "We all saw how Israel got in"
One of Alex Pereira's old adversaries, Artem Vakhitov recently explained why wrestlers will struggle against the Brazilian and used Israel Adesanya's knockout win to highlight a path to victory. The former Glory Kickboxing light heavyweight champion-turned-MMA fighter analyzed his former foe's fighting style and noted that there are openings to have success with striking.
Vakhitov was the last man to defeat Pereira in kickboxing and currently has a 2-1 MMA record since transitioning into the sport. The 33-year-old will compete on the Oct. 8 episode of 'Dana White's Contender Series' and will look to fast-track his way to a rematch with 'Poatan' under the UFC banner.
While speaking to Adam Zubayraev, Vakhitov claimed that 'Poatan' lacks defensive striking. Vakhitov mentioned that there are holes in Pereira's stance and explained how a striker like Adesanya exploited him rather than a high-level grappler or wrestler. He said:
"Only a basic striker can [defeat Pereira]. Not a basic MMA fighter, wrestler or grappler...I see mistakes, that Pereira has almost no defense...Everyone knows that there is no defense in the first round, but the attack prevails and compensates. We all saw the second fight with [Israel] Adesanya. We all saw how Israel got in. [Pereira] had his hands at chest level. In addition, he is also quite tall."
Check out Artem Vakhitov's comments regarding Alex Pereira below:
How many times did Alex Pereira and Artem Vakhitov fight each other in Glory Kickboxing?
Alex Pereira and Artem Vakhitov are no strangers to each other as they fought twice under the Glory Kickboxing banner.
Their first encounter took place at Glory 77: Rotterdam, which saw 'Poatan' earn a split decision to become the Glory light heavyweight champion. Vakhitov would avenge his loss later that year at Glory 78: Rotterdam, as he earned a majority decision to win the Glory light heavyweight championship for the second time.
Check out highlights from Alex Pereira vs. Artem Vakhitov in Glory below: