The feud between Artyom Vakhitov and Alex Pereira is intensifying.
Vahitov's comments about Pereira's UFC success didn't sit well with Pereira, who advised him to possibly step up to the Octagon for a trilogy bout with Poitan. Now Vahitov is doubling down on the challenge.
“I'm very happy to see your success and I wish you even more success in the future,” Vakhitov told MMA Fighting, “but for me it feels weird to read all these articles about the 'best striker on the planet.' In my opinion, I've already beaten this guy twice and I'd love to see a showdown in the UFC Octagon.”
The feud began when Vakhitov told MMA Fighting that he was happy for Pereira's success in MMA but felt he lacked the defensive skills of a kickboxer. Vakhitov said he would face the Brazilian for a third time, this time at UFC, “to finally prove who is the best striker.”
Pereira won his first bout in January 2021 by split decision to unify the GLORY light heavyweight title and become a two-division kickboxing champion, but retired from the sport shortly after losing a majority decision to Vakhitov in a rematch eight months later. Pereira then competed in the UFC and once again became a two-division champion.
Pereira hit back at Vakhitov on social media, advising him to “beware of the people who put this idea in your head” because he believes their 1-1 score inside the GLORY ring is deceptive. He added, “When they give you the win, [in GLORY in 2021] That's because GLORY knew it would be my last fight with the organization and they didn't want me to walk away with the belt.”
“Comrade, no one gave me the victory,” Vakhitov responded. “In my opinion, I'm 2-0 against you. If anyone talks about a 'given' victory, I want them to watch my first fight in GLORY and explain to me what the referee was thinking, because I clearly won that fight.”
Pereira said Vahitov seemed “a bit lost” and suggested he contact manager Jorge Guimaraes for career advice.
“I am not lost or confused. I know the path I am on and you are on it too,” Vakhitov responded. “I have been guided by my manager Andrey Busygin since day one and he will always be with me as we start this next journey. Until we meet again…”
Check out the kickboxing bout between Pereira and Vahitov below:
