Artem Vakhitov has been linked to Alex Pereira for years, but their much-anticipated trilogy showdown will have to wait. The former GLORY light heavyweight champion, who is the last man to defeat Pereira in kickboxing, was anticipated to join the UFC after signing a contract with Dana White’s Contender Series. Despite winning a decisive first-round TKO, Vakhitov and his team finally declined the offer. But why would a fighter make such a decision? Well, he has finally revealed the reason behind the shocking move.
Vakhitov revealed that while he was overjoyed to receive a UFC contract, the financial terms did not correspond with his professional objectives. ‘The Russian Bear’ admitted that the opportunity was thrilling, especially since Alex Pereira was present that night, making a potential showdown seem closer than ever. However, the offer he received adhered to the UFC’s standard DWCS contract, leaving little space for negotiations. He and his team did attempt to negotiate better terms, but the Dana White-led promotion stood firm.
Understanding that prizefighting is about more than just competition and financial stability, Vakhitov made the painful decision to walk away. He told MMA Junkie, “I respect their structure. But I am a prizefighter, and I have a family to support. Joining the UFC would have been an incredible opportunity, but the financial terms didn’t make sense for me in the face of other offers which were also coming in. So, we had to politely decline.” Artem Vakhitov’s management had hoped for a contract similar to what Pereira obtained when he joined the UFC with a 3-1 MMA record, but the promotion’s policies remained unchanged.
A typical DWCS contract binds competitors to a four-fight, 20-month agreement with fixed terms. Given Vakhitov’s vast combat sports background, his team believed the offer did not reflect his worth. “Personally, I felt this was unfair to Artem, given his achievements in combat sports and having the same level as Alex at the time he entered the UFC. But rules are rules. I understand,” his manager, Andrey Busygin, said. So, with the UFC out of the way as Dana White refuses to budge? What’s next for ‘The Russian Fighter’?
Artem Vakhitov reveals what his non-UFC future looks like
With the UFC chapter now closed, Artem Vakhitov has set his eyes on a long-awaited challenge: defeating Rico Verhoeven at GLORY 100. ‘The Russian Bear’ will move to heavyweight on June 14 in the Netherlands, a bold move for a fighter who rose to prominence as a light heavyweight. While the trilogy with Alex Pereira will have to wait, Vakhitov sees this as a different type of legacy conflict. After years of waiting, he will finally face the most dominant heavyweight in GLORY history.
For Vakhitov, this is more than simply a title; it’s about proving himself as the world’s top kickboxer. He has seen Verhoeven dominate for almost a decade, finishing competitors with brutal efficiency. Unlike many of Verhoeven’s previous opponents, Artem Vakhitov has spent years studying him and waiting for the best moment to strike. “This is a fight I’ve wanted for a long time,” he confessed, acknowledging Verhoeven’s dominance but emphasizing that he saw himself as the natural heir to the throne. With GLORY making a hefty offer, leaving the UFC became an easier decision. The timing, stakes, and financials all came together to make this the ideal next step in his career.
Despite rejecting the UFC deal, ‘The Russian Bear’ is not giving up on MMA. He had no hard feelings about how the negotiations went, realizing that business is business. But for the time being, his concentration is only on Rico Verhoeven, GLORY 100, and snatching an opportunity that has escaped him for many years. Whether Artem Vakhitov wins the heavyweight championship or not, this bout will define his future chapter. If he wins, he will cement his place as one of this generation’s greatest kickboxers. If he loses, he may contemplate the UFC offer sooner rather than later. What do you think? Will we get to see an Artem Vakhitov vs. Alex Pereira fight in the UFC? Let us know in the comments.
The post “I Have a Family to Support”- Real Reason Behind Alex Pereira’s Arch Nemesis Turning Down Dana White’s Contract Brought to Light appeared first on EssentiallySports.