Throwback to when UFC newcomer Artem Vakhitov beat Alex Pereira in their iconic kickboxing rematch at Glory 78
Artem Vakhitov vs. Alex Pereira is one of the most defining rivalries of both men's combat sports careers. The two elite-level kickboxers faced each other in back-to-back fights under the Glory Kickboxing banner for the promotion's light heavyweight title.
Ahead of their first encounter, Vakhitov, the then long-reigning champion with five title defenses to his name, welcomed the challenge posed by Pereira, who was the middleweight champion, also with five title defenses. Moreover, 'Poatan' was also the interim light heavyweight titleholder.
The two men sought to answer the question surrounding light heavyweight supremacy at Glory 77. Unfortunately, the bout was not as definitive as it should have been. t was a five-round affair that saw Pereira win via split-decision.
Unfortunately, despite Pereira's historic kickboxing win, becoming Glory's first two-division champion, there was controversy. Many felt that Vakhitov had been the victim of a robbery, and an immediate rematch was booked at Glory 78.
Check out Artem Vakhitov vs. Alex Pereira 2:
No longer the champion, the Russian kickboxer had a chip on his shoulder and entered Glory 78 with a point to prove. Pereira's approach was clear from the opening bell. He sought to land power punches at a low volume, stealing rounds with the nuclear impact of his blows.
But Vakhitov was wise to it and hid behind a high guard, with the large gloves in kickboxing leaving no gaps for Pereira's punches to slip through. Vakhitov made his reads, comfortable behind his impenetrable shell. Yet, Pereira's power still seeped through, bullying him around the ring until the Russian opened up.
Low kicks became one of his main weapons, and Pereira had no answer for them. Furthermore, the Russian, who has always held a low opinion of Pereira's striking skills, saw gaps in 'Poatan's' defense. Pereira keeps his arms low at chest level, and while he outworked Vakhitov, the Russian landed the cleaner punches.
The bout was also marred by excessive clinching from both men, with Vakhitov using the clinch to smother Pereira's punches. Yet, it was the Brazilian who was deducted a point for clinching beyond what was reasonable. In the end, Vakhitov's hand was raised in a majority decision win.
It was Pereira's last kickboxing bout, while Vakhitov went on to win once more, beating Pascal Touré to close out his kickboxing career.
Artem Vakhitov is now chasing Alex Pereira in MMA
Despite their two bouts in kickboxing, the Artem Vakhitov vs. Alex Pereira saga isn't over. Now, it appears set to continue in MMA, where 'Poatan' reigns in the UFC as the light heavyweight champion, with three title defenses, including a recent fourth-round TKO of Khalil Rountree Jr.
Check out Artem Vakhitov's TKO win over Islem Masraf:
Vakhitov, meanwhile, is currently 3-1 in the sport, on a three-fight win streak, with all of his wins coming via TKO. His recent win over Islem Masraf at Dana White's Contender Series 71 earned him a UFC contract, with even his rival Pereira praising him.