Tag: Artem Vakhitov

DWCS winner Artem Vakhitov says UFC no longer in immediate plans after contract dispute

Former GLORY champ Artem Vakhitov earned a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series this summer – but says the two parties have split.

(Editor’s note: This story was updated at 3:27 p.m. ET to reflect the GLORY 100 official announcement)

[autotag]Artem Vakhitov[/autotag] captured the MMA world’s attention when he won a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last October – in part because of his past kickboxing rivalry with Alex Pereira.

More than five months later, Vakhitov (3-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has yet to compete inside the octagon. Why? According to Vakhitov and his team, the numbers have not satisfied their standards.

“I was elated when I won my fight in DWCS and got the contract,” Vakhitov told MMA Junkie in a written statement through a translator. “Alex was ringside. We all talked afterwards, and it looked like the trilogy fight was a real possibility if I next went into the UFC and won a fight or two.

“… Unfortunately, when it came time to make the UFC contract, it transpired that the UFC has very strict conditions regarding fighters who come through DWCS. According to UFC protocols, they were not able to offer me more than the standard contract offered to all fighters who progress through this show. … My team attempted to negotiate, but the UFC rules were strict, and no changes were possible.”

A typical DWCS contract contains a clause the promotion can activate, which would automatically put a selected fighter on a 20-month, four-fight deal, multiple sources told MMA Junkie. However, both Vakhitov and his manager, Andrey Busygin, indicated they’ve parted ways with the UFC.

The UFC has not responded to a request for clarification on Vakhitov’s roster status at the time of publication.

UFC still in Vakhitov’s future?

“I do not wish to appear arrogant regarding this contract,” Vakhitov said. “I understand they have their rules, and I respect that, but I am a prizefighter. I have daughters to provide for and a short window of opportunity. It would have been a great dream to enter the UFC, but I could not justify the loss of earnings this contract would represent. And so we had to respectfully decline. But all of our dealings were pleasant, and perhaps in the future we will talk again.”

Vakhitov, 33, is a two-time GLORY light heavyweight champion. He split two fights with Pereira. He pivoted to MMA in 2023 but injured his shoulder in his debut. He then rattled off three wins, including a DWCS victory over Islem Maraf by first-round TKO.

According to Busygin, Vakhitov and his team hoped for the same deal Pereira received when he was onboarded into the UFC with the same 3-1 professional record Vakhitov has.

“The UFC position was that all fighters coming through Dana White Contender Series receive the same contract with standard terms and conditions,” Busygin told MMA Junkie in a written statement. “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.”

‘This trilogy fight will have to wait’

Both Vakhitov and Busygin said there are no hard feelings from their end and did not rule out dealing with the promotion in the future.

“We had to decline signing this agreement,” Busygin said. “It’s a shame, but there are no hard feelings. We respect their position, and they respect ours. We had very pleasant negotiations with (UFC chief business officer) Hunter (Campbell) and his team. We are disappointed, of course, that we now won’t get the trilogy between Artem and Alex in the octagon, but we’ve moved on to other targets now. There is a huge fight coming up, so this trilogy fight will have to wait.”

GLORY 100 is set to be headlined by Vakhitov (23-6) against kickboxing megastar Rico Verhoeven (64-10). The event takes place June 14 in the Netherlands.

“That’s a fight I’ve always wanted,” Vakhitov said. “I have been calling for that fight since 2017. Nobody wanted to fight Rico. They call him ‘The King’ because he has ruled that division for so long. But I really believed myself to be the best pound-for-pound kickboxer in GLORY, and my opinion hasn’t changed. Maybe the king is finally ready to meet the tsar.”

Michael Bisping thinks Artem Vakhitov has the potential to reach UFC title picture

Michael Bisping sees championship potential in Artem Vakhitov.

[autotag]Michael Bisping[/autotag] sees championship potential in [autotag]Artem Vakhitov[/autotag].

Vakhitov (3-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) earned a UFC contract when he finished Islem Masraf by first-round TKO Tuesday at Dana White’s Contender Series 75. UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira helped convince Dana White to sign his ex-kickboxing rival Vakhitov, and the UFC CEO obliged.

With Vakhitov and Pereira splitting their two Glory Kickboxing appearances, Vakhitov hopes to earn a trilogy bout with “Poatan” in the UFC, and Bisping thinks it’s possible.

“I think he could do it. I think he’s got the potential,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “He’s got to work on the takedown defense. He’s got to get used to the little gloves. He’s got to get used to people with offbeat rhythms, because MMA strikers are a bit different to polished kickboxers.

“But if he can do that, if he can do the work and apply himself, I think he could have a very, very bright future and we could see that fight at some point down the line.”

Bisping expects Vakhitov to be pushed by the UFC into a fast rise just like Pereira was. It took Pereira only three UFC wins to earn his first title shot, where he knocked out his other ex-kickboxing rival Israel Adesanya to claim the middleweight title at UFC 281.

“It’s going to be interesting to see who they match him up with first,” Bisping said. “But if he goes on, let’s say, a four- or five-fight streak, where he goes out and he knocks people out, then of course there’s a big fight on our hands, and I’m sure Alex Pereira the whole time is going to be willing him on because he wants to get him back. He wants to make money.”

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Alex Pereira vs. Artem Vakhitov: Full videos of their two GLORY Kickboxing matches

Now that Artem Vakhitov has joined Alex Pereira in the UFC, check out their two kickboxing matches in full here.

The history between [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] and [autotag]Artem Vakhitov[/autotag] was on full display Tuesday during Dana White’s Contender Series 75.

Twice kickboxing rivals in GLORY, Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) and Vakhitov (3-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) could break the tie in MMA now that they’re both under the UFC umbrella.

Vakhitov earned a UFC contract Tuesday when he finished opponent Islem Masraf (3-1) with strikes in the first round. Pereira flew out to spectate the fight from cageside.

According to UFC CEO Dana White, his recommendation was also taken into account when deciding if the promotion would extend an offer to Vakhitov, which he did.

While there’s tremendous respect between the two former GLORY champions, there’s also an acknowledgment of their history and the potential they could meet again.

Check out their two kickboxing matches in full in the videos below.

Fight 1: Glory 77

Date: Jan. 30, 2021
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Result: Alex Pereira def. Artem Vakhitov via split decision (scorecards not announced)

Fight 2: Glory 77

Date: Sept. 24, 2021
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Result: Artem Vakhitov def. Alex Pereira via majority decision (48-46, 46-48, 47-47, 48-46, 49-45)

Artem Vakhitov vows to earn Alex Pereira trilogy after UFC contract win: ‘I think it’s 2-0’

After splitting results in the kickboxing ring, Artem Vakhitov aims to face Alex Pereira for a third time under the UFC banner.

LAS VEGAS – It wouldn’t be the first time a champion kickboxer transitioned to MMA to chase a former foe holding a UFC title, and [autotag]Artem Vakhitov[/autotag] isn’t hiding the fact he hopes to face Alex Pereira again.

Vakhitov (3-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) earned a UFC contract by finishing Islem Masraf in the first round at Dana White’s Contender Series 75. Now that he’s in the same promotion with UFC light heavyweight champion Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC), the chase is on.

The pair battled twice in kickboxing, splitting decision results in 2021. Neither man denies the storyline in a potential trilogy, much like when Pereira entered the UFC and was fast-tracked to a third, and then fourth, meeting with then-middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.

Pereira, 37, who just retained his light heavyweight title by defeating Khalil Rountree in a Fight of the Night main event at UFC 307, flew in to watch Vakhitov, 33, compete at the UFC Apex.

“I had no idea he was going to be here, but as I was walking out, I saw that he was sitting in the audience, and to be honest, it kind of lit the fire a little bit, kind of motivated me even more.” Vakhitov said through an interpreter during a post-fight news conference.”

The motivation worked, as Vakhitov turned in a first-round TKO finish. Not just a motivator from the sideline, Pereira also ended up being the convincing voice urging UFC CEO Dana White to sign him after his performance.

The storyline for a potential meeting in the UFC writes itself. But unlike Adesanya, who couldn’t get over the Pereira hump until their fourth meeting, the series between Vakhitov and Pereira is tied, and there is no animosity between them.

“I respect him and he respects me,” Vakhitov said. “There’s nothing but respect through both of our teams. We had a great history in kickboxing, and when we left that chapter of our life, we left on really good terms. I’ve never had any ill will towards him.

“He also congratulated me on the fight. He said it was a great fight and I told him that we soon will see each other. It’s going to take some time. I have nothing but a sportsman-like interest in seeing him in the octagon. When it happens eventually, I think it’s going to be also done with respect, just like in kickboxing. I really do think that both of us are very much just good sportsmen. We’re respectful, we respect each other’s team, and just going to see each other as fighters.”

Even with the story outlined, Vakhitov said he won’t rush through the chapters. He is well aware of where both he and Pereira are at this point in their careers, and is ready to climb the ladder to eventually reach the top of the division.

Vakhitov is also aware of the pressure that comes with each appearance he makes moving forward, as many will expect him to fulfill the destiny of earning a trilogy with Pereira.

“I thought about eventually there was maybe a possibility that we would fight again,” Vakhitov said. “To be honest, we’re 1-1. That’s what the history books say, but obviously, I think it’s 2-0.

“… A loss today was not an option. We had to come here, we knew we were coming into the cage with the win in mind. I’m sure that going forward, whether it’s debut or other fights, it’s going to be on my shoulders; it’s going to be hanging over me even more because there’s that narrative.”

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Dana White’s Contender Series 75: Grading the winners

MMA Junkie fight analyst Dan Tom takes a closer look at the performances of the five winners from Dana White’s Contender Series 75.

Week 9 of Dana White’s Contender Series (2024) took place on Tuesday in Las Vegas, and we’re grading the winners from the five-fight card, which streamed on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex.

With a simple but digestible format that has had the MMA fanbase responding, this series has shown to have legs in multiple ways while serving as a crockpot for contenders the UFC matchmakers can use to fill their roster for future events. With that trend in mind, I once again will be taking a look at the winning fighters, regardless of whether or not they won a UFC contract, and grading their performances in regard to their probability of returning to a UFC stage.

***

Sean Gauci

Sean Gauci def. Anthony Drilich – DWCS 75

Weight class: Flyweight
Result: Sean Gauci def. Anthony Drilich via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Grade: B

Summary: Setting the tone for the night was a technical scrap between [autotag]Sean Gauci[/autotag] and Anthony Drilich.

I’m not beyond rewarding fighters who go to a decision with an A, but there wasn’t enough output and action to get there for me. That said, it was a shame that Gauci didn’t get consideration come contract time given that he was one of the most complete fighters to compete on the entire card.

I know Dana White has gotten everyone (including myself when it comes to winner grades) to associate quick finishes with good performances, but those two things are far from mutually exclusive.

Unfortunately for Gauci, he claimed to have broken his hand early in the second frame and couldn’t make a case as strong as he would like.

It’s a shame that the UFC flew out two Australian talents who could’ve just fought on the regionals (especially given the flyweight grading curb), but I hope that Gauci and Drilich get serious consideration from the UFC matchmakers down the road.

Islam Dulatov

Islam Dulatov def. Vanilto Antunes – DWCS 75

Weight class: Welterweight
Result: Islam Dulatov def. Vanilto Antunes via knockout (elbow) – Round 1, 2:44
Grade: A

Summary: After turning the cage into a cartoon dust storm, it was hard to deny [autotag]Islam Dulatov[/autotag] anything short of an A for his knockout over Vanilto Antunes.

As his record indicates, Dulatov is a fighter accustomed to getting things done early.

Dulatov, like other fast starters, such as Conor McGregor, appears to have the ability to lock in straight out of the gate regarding his reads on distance and openings.

Although it can be hard to tell given his enthusiasm and work rate, Dulatov appears to have solid technique and a diverse striking arsenal from which to draw. Dulatov also owns multiple submissions on his record, so I’m curious to see more of him against stiffer competition.

Signing the Chechnya-born German was a no-brainer for Dana White, so don’t be surprised to see Dulatov featured on an international card early next year.

I’m not sure who they’ll book Dulatov with, but I suspect he’d be the perfect dance partner for someone like Danny Barlow.

Mario Pinto

Mario Pinto def. Lucas Camacho – DWCS 75

Weight class: Heavyweight
Result: Mario Pinto def. Lucas Camacho via knockout (left hook) – Round 1,
Grade: A

Summary: Even though it was a quick outing, it’s difficult to deny [autotag]Mario Pinto[/autotag] an easy A for his knockout over Lucas Comacho.

Both men seemed to be somewhat shakey at first given the height and length parity at play, but Pinto was able to be the more composed of the two by staying behind his lead hand. And once Pinto was able to establish his range, the native of Portugal smartly hooked off his jab to catch Camacho coming in.

I obviously want to see way more of Pinto before making any bold declarations, but not even I can argue with a heavyweight who actually jabs.

Considering Dane White’s Vince McMahon-like adulation for huge men, seeing Pinto get promptly signed came as no surprise to me. As far as his first assignment goes, I think Thomas “Jefferson” Peterson would be the perfect matchup to test Pinto in his promotional debut.

Kody Steele

Kody Steele def. Chasen Blair – DWCS 75

Weight class: Lightweight
Result: Kody Steele def. Chasen Blair via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:07
Grade: A

Summary: Bodyshot stoppages equal instant A’s for me, so it should be no surprise that [autotag]Kody Steele[/autotag] gets the proverbial rubber stamp from myself and the UFC brass alike.

Looking like the second coming of Rick Story, Steele – who comes from a grappling base – showed steady pressure and bodywork en route to wearing down Blair.

In Blair’s defense, he did take the fight on a short turnaround from a fight he won in late September, so I hope to see him again on a full camp.

Steele appears ready to meet the usual standard signed for this show, but I can’t help but worry about his propensity to keep his head upright and on center in exchanges. That said, I expect solid fight-to-fight improvements from Steele, given his age and the camp he trains at.

I’m happy to see Steele get signed considering the fallout he endured during this season and wouldn’t be shocked to see him paired with someone like Mitch Ramirez for his first UFC assignment.

Artem Vakhitov

Artem Vakhitov def. Islem Masraf – DWCS 75

Weight class: Light heavyweight
Result: Artem Vakhitov def. Islem Masraf via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:23
Grade: A

Summary: Despite starting off a bit shaky, I felt like [autotag]Artem Vakhitov[/autotag] showed enough in his first-round finish over Islem Masraf to earn an A from me.

When you consider that Vakhitov only recently came over from kickboxing (only having two professional MMA fights prior to this), then I feel like we should temper our expectations when it comes to both the Russian’s style and ceiling.

The clinch is quietly the most important space for strikers coming into this sport, so seeing Vakhitov gravitate toward this phase of the fight isn’t the worst thing in the world (although I suspect he was only doing it to quiet the chaos and reduce win conditions for his opponent).

So long as Vakhitov can avoid pulling his opponent on top of him like he briefly did in this bout, then I expect his competence in closed quarters to only improve from fight to fight. That said, I suspect that the UFC will be careful with how they book Vakhitov, considering his history with Alex Pereira (who apparently played a role in his former foe’s signing).

I feel bad for Yousri Belgouri, who now trains with Pereira and still didn’t get this treatment in his two swings at bat on the Contender Series, but I wasn’t surprised to see Vakhitov get the nod from Dana White and company. For my money, don’t be shocked to see Vakhitov paired up with someone like Ivan Erslan for his UFC debut.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 75.

Dana White explains how Alex Pereira convinced him to sign Artem Vakhitov to UFC

Alex Pereira went to bat for his former kickboxing rival, Artem Vakhitov. Luckily for him, Dana White was willing to listen.

LAS VEGAS – It was [autotag]Artem Vakhitov[/autotag]’s former kickboxing rival who talked [autotag]Dana White[/autotag] into signing him to the UFC.

Vakhitov (3-1) earned a UFC contract Tuesday when he scored a first-round TKO of Islem Masraf (3-1) at Dana White’s Contender Series 75 from the UFC Apex. White admits he was initially hesitant to sign former two-time Glory light heavyweight champion Vakhitov, the last man to defeat [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] in kickboxing, but “Poatan” convinced him.

“That’s why I’m so late. I’ve been back there talking to Alex this whole time,” White told reporters, including MMA Junkie, during a Dana White’s Contender Series 75 post-fight news conference. “He said, ‘Obviously, a little more clinching than you would expect.’ You would expect the other guy to clinch with him, not him clinching. But he said, ‘This is what I think. I think he’s talented enough. I think he deserves to be here. He’s had, obviously, a ton of fights in his career.’

“Which is what I thought, too, going in. He said, ‘I think that the Contender Series, no matter where you’ve fought or what you’ve done, puts a different type of pressure on you, and you might not perform the way you normally would.’ He thinks that this is a tremendous amount of pressure. He said, ‘All I know is I’m glad I never had to go through the Contender Series.'”

Vakhitov and Pereira split their two kickboxing appearances. Pereira won the first fight by split decision and Vakhitov avenged his loss in their rematch by majority decision.

White acknowledges that many fighters have noticed the success that former kickboxers Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira have had in the UFC, and want to follow suit.

“What I actually think, like we were saying earlier, it’s fascinating how these guys that came out of this whole circuit with Israel and Alex, including them, are doing so well in the UFC,” White said. “It’s fascinating, so yeah, why not? I think it’s all of it. Obviously, those guys fought crazy fights that I’m sure they didn’t make any money. Joanna Jedrzejczyk and many others come over here, and it’s absolutely life changing for them.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 75.

DWCS 75 results: Artem Vakhitov earns UFC contract with help from ex-rival Alex Pereira

In a surprising twist, UFC champ Alex Pereira showed up to Dana White’s Contender Series and convinced White to sign rival Artem Vakhitov.

[autotag]Artem Vakhitov[/autotag] hasn’t even had a UFC fight yet, and the promotional wheels are already turning for an [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] showdown.

Two days after his UFC 307 title defense, Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) boarded a plane from Connecticut to Las Vegas to witness in person Vakhitov (3-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) earn a UFC deal at Dana White’s Contender Series 75.

Vakhitov was patient as he waited for his moment to significantly attack French heavyweight [autotag]Islem Masraf[/autotag] (3-1) with a flurry for a TKO stoppage at 4:23 of Round 1.

After the fight, UFC CEO Dana White said he debated what he should do with Vakhitov but consulted Pereira, who gave a resounding “absolutely, positively.”

https://twitter.com/espnmma/status/1843831661273722961

Vakhitov, 33, is a two-time Glory light heavyweight champion, who defended the title five times. He is the last man to defeat Pereira in kickboxing.

The two fighters are tied 1-1 in their lifetime series. Pereira won the first fight by split decision and Vakhitov won the second by majority decision.

Vakhitov told MMA Junkie prior to the bout that while he really wants to fight Pereira again, the two are friendly and respectful without bad blood.

He transitioned to MMA in June 2023 and suffered an injury in the bout. After back-to-back finishes, he earned his DWCS shot and maintained his 100 percent finishing rate.

https://twitter.com/espnmma/status/1843834875821871527

https://youtube.com/shorts/6wcT1uwJgu4

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Up-to-the-minute DWCS 75 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 75.

Dana White’s Contender Series 75 results: Alex Pereira’s foe Artem Vakhitov among four UFC contract winners

Season 8 of Dana White’s Contender Series continued Tuesday, and Alex Pereira’s kickboxing foe Artem Vakhitov earned a UFC contract.

LAS VEGAS – MMA Junkie was on scene reporting live from Tuesday’s Dana White’s Contender Series 75 event.

Dana White’s Contender Series cards see prospects fighting for the opportunity to sign a UFC deal, with UFC president Dana White on hand to make the decisions.

The ninth week of the eighth season saw 10 fighters compete for their shot at a UFC contract. In the feature bout at light heavyweight, former kickboxing standout Artem Vakhitov (3-1), who holds a September 2021 victory over UFC champion Alex Pereira under the GLORY banner, took on Islem Masraf (3-1).

The UFC Apex hosted the card, which streamed live on ESPN+.

DWCS 75 full results

  • Artem Vakhitov def. Islem Masraf via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:23
  • Kody Steele def. Chasen Blair via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:07
  • Mario Pinto def. Lucas Camacho via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:43
  • Islam Dulatov def. Vanilto Antunes via knockout (elbow) – Round 1, 2:44
  • Sean Gauci def. Anthony Drilich via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

DWCS 75 round-by-round updates

Islem Masraf vs. Artem Vakhitov

Round 1 – They touch ’em up, and Masraf comes in swinging heavy hooks! Vakhitov gets clipped by one, and backs into the fence. Masraf gets a clinch and a takedown, but Vakhitov gets up and exits quickly. Vakhitov is on the clinch now. They separate and Masraf comes forward with punches, right into a takedown. Vakhitov gets down to a knee, but pops back to his feet and reverses the clinch. Masraf goes for a trip, but gets reversed, and eats clean punches on his way up. Back in space now with just over a minute left. Vakhitov gets a clinch and lands a knee before they separate. Vakhitov rips a right to the body and BANG! A huge right hand stuns Masraf in his tracks. Vakhitov pours it on for the finish!

Result: Artem Vakhitov def. Islem Masraf via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:23
Recap: DWCS 75 results: Artem Vakhitov earns UFC contract with help from ex-rival Alex Pereira
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 75: Best photos
Records: Masraf (3-1), Vakhitov (3-1)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran

Chasen Blair vs. Kody Steele

Round 1 – Both study the range as they bounce around the cage. Blair looks for a head kick in the opening moments, but it’s blocked. Steele comes forward with punches and looks for a takedown, but gets shucked away. The striking exchanges start to heat up as Blair lands a stiff left hand. Steele rips a hard kick to the body and a right hand not far behind it. Steele looks for a single leg, but can’t get it. Blair stings with a left now. Steele answers with a solid right a few moments later. Steele with a combination now. Blair sneaks in a counter shot before circling. Steele keeps coming forward with huge hooks. Blair connects with a sharp counter as Steele swings. Steele keeps offering hooks and looks for a takedown. Blair keeps things standing. Steele goes for a head kick right at the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Steele.

Round 2 –  Blair doubles up the jab and looks for a head kick. Steele comes forward and blocks another head kick. Blair lands a body-head combo. They exchange punches upstairs, and Steele adds one to the body. Steele comes forward again, staying aware of the counter. He rips another punch to the body as Blair circles away. Steele misses with a head kick and Blair charges forward with a left hand. They’re trading punches close to the fence now. Both land clean. Blair circles to reset and Steele closes in to land more punches. Another nice combo for Steele. Ripping to the body now is Steele. Blair answers, but Steele keeps landing. A big left hand to the body from Steele! Blair goes down! It’s a delayed reaction, but Steele swarms, and it’s over!

Result: Kody Steele def. Chasen Blair via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:07
Recap: DWCS 75 video: Kody Steele shuts down Chasen Blair with liver shot
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 75: Best photos
Records: Blair (6-3), Steele (7-0)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Blake Grice

Lucas Camacho vs. Mario Pinto

Round 1 – They get into striking range and begin feeling out each other with quick strikes. Camacho offers kicks and punches while Pinto keeps his guard high, looking for an opening. BANG! There’s a sharp counter left hook! Camacho goes down and Pinto swarms! Big follow-up punches to the head on the ground and the referee stops it. What a finish!

Result: Mario Pinto def. Lucas Camacho via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:43
Recap: DWCS 75 video: Mario Pinto floors, pounds out Lucas Camacho
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 75: Best photos
Records: Camacho (6-1), Pinto (9-0)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran

Vanilto Antunes vs. Islam Dulatov

Round 1 – Antunes opens up with a powerful leg kick. Dulatov responds with a fast combination. They reset, and Dulatov darts forward, unloading punches. He’s just throwing bombs at Antunes right now! Not everything is landing, but the punches keep coming! Antunes finally gets a hold of him to stop the storm. Dulatov exits the clinch, and steps right back in with another furious combination. Antunes attempts to answer, but Dulatov charges forward with another combo. Antunes starts to fire back with big strikes. Dulatov steps out of danger, but steps back in with a huge right elbow! Antunes folds to the canvas! He’s out cold!

Result: Islam Dulatov def. Vanilto Antunes via knockout (elbow) – Round 1, 2:44
Recap: DWCS 75: Islam Dulatov smokes Vanilto Antunes unconscious with standing elbow
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 75: Best photos
Records: Antunes (16-7), Dulatov (11-1)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Blake Grice

Anthony Drilich vs. Sean Gauci

Round 1 – Gauci comes out to control the center of the cage, keeping his hands high and tight. Drilich circles on the outside and offers a few punches. Gauci shoots in but is easily denied. Drilich fires off a fast combo as Gauci closes in. Drilich continues to circle and work behind a right jab. Another takedown attempt from Gauci is shucked off. More quick punches from Drilich find the mark as Gauci stalks forward. Gauci gets in on a single leg, but is pushed away. Drilich keeps the striking volume high. One minute left. Gauci finally lands meaningful offense with a pair of solid right hands. He connects again in the final exchange.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Drilich.

Round 2 – Drilich fires in a hard kick to the body, followed by quick punches as he circles on the outside. Gauci sits on a right hand, finding the target upstairs. More punches offered from Drilich. Gauci shoots in, completing a takedown, but Drilich is right back up to his feet. Drilich gets back to working behind his right jab as his circles. Gauci lands a solid right elbow. Drilich shoots in a moment later, but is easily stuffed. Gauci gets a double leg, but can’t keep the fight on the mat. He lands a nice strike on the exit. Drilich lands a nice inside kick to punches combo. Gauci lands a trio of hard punches before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Gauci.

Round 3 – Drilich comes out firing quick strikes from the outside. Gauci charges in with strong punches. A knee strike from Drilich appears to land low, but Gauci waves the ref away. Gauci stays on the heavy forward pressure, landing solid punches before shooting for a takedown. It’s successful, but Drilich gets up quickly. Gauci lands a hard right hook. The punching exchanges continue at a high clip, with Drilich offering more volume, but Gauci more power. Another takedown threat from Gauci goes nowhere, but he lands an elbow on the exit. Drilich keeps touching with punches. Gauci gets a takedown, this time keeping the fight on the ground in guard. Big ground and pound from the top for Gauci until the final horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Gauci, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Sean Gauci def. Anthony Drilich via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Dana White’s Contender Series 75: Best photos
Records: Drilich (8-2), Gauci (10-1)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran

DWCS 75 faceoffs

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 75.

Kickboxing rival Artem Vakhitov aims for Alex Pereira trilogy in UFC, but not out of bad blood

Artem Vakhitov is 1-1 with Alex Pereira in kickboxing and on Tuesday he fights for a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series.

[autotag]Artem Vakhitov[/autotag]’s story sounds like one we’ve heard before until it veers off in a bit of a different direction.

Fans looking for a blood-thirsty former rival who will storm into the UFC, badmouth one of its champions, and engage in a heated build-up to a long-awaited third meeting will have to remain content with [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] vs. Israel Adesanya.

Don’t get it twisted: Vakhitov (2-1) wants that crack at Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC), arguably the promotion’s biggest active star. After all, they are tied at one win apiece from showdowns of yesteryear in kickboxing.

But when it comes to selling the fight, Vakhitov has no issue with Pereira. In fact, the two have exchanged friendly messages since their pair of kickboxing bouts in 2021. The rivalry is strictly competitive, but Vakhitov sees potential for their skills to sell another showdown.

“We have a story with Alex, and it’s a good opportunity to face him again,” Vakhitov recently told MMA Junkie through a Russian interpreter. “It’s a big interest for me. I’ve seen that strikers are doing really, really well. I really want to show my striking and how we can do it.

“… It’s nothing personal with Alex. After our fight in kickboxing, we were messaging together and were in contact and had a lot of conversations. There’s nothing personal. … We have a very friendly relationship. I’m just wishing for him to win as much as he can until he meets me.”

How Pereira motivated Vakhitov

Vakhitov and Pereira first faced off at GLORY 77 in January 2021. Pereira defeated Vakhitov by split decision. Three months later in September 2021 at GLORY 78, the two collided again. This time, it was Vakhitov by split decision.

The kickboxing match was Pereira’s final one before he fully pursued MMA, quickly rising up the UFC ladder toward title gold in unprecedented fashion.

Seeing Pereira’s success planted the seeds in Vakhitov’s brain. Maybe it was time for him to give it a shot.

“It motivated me more and more to (follow),” Vakhitov said.

In June 2023, Vakhitov debuted in MMA but suffered a fight-ending shoulder injury in the opening minute. Six months later, he returned and won by 92-second TKO. He followed it up with a 22-second TKO due to leg kicks.

All the while, talks with the UFC, PFL, and other industry figureheads began.

“We were in touch a long time ago (with the UFC),” Vakhitov said. “I arrived a few months ago for my fight. Also, I went to a PFL event and met Ray Sefo and other guys, and Cejudo and his manager Ali (Abdelaziz). During all this situation, we were in touch with UFC and matchmaker Mick Maynard. My manager Andrey Busygin was going through negotiations. We got an opportunity for Dana White’s Contender Series. This was a very big pleasure that we got this. For sure, we agreed to it, and now we are here.”

Dana White’s Contender Series awaits

Vakhitov, 33, has the opportunity to earn a UFC contract Tuesday night at Dana White’s Contender Series 75 where he faces Islem Masraf (3-0) in a light heavyweight bout.

Despite the stakes, Vakhitov is blocking out the stakes and focusing on technique.

“Obviously, I just want to show the good and technical side of kickboxing in MMA,” Vakhitov said. “Not everyone is looking and searching for the KO. Some people are looking and searching for the good techniques. This is maybe my aim more.”

While a lot will have to happen before he’s aligned with Pereira once again, Vakhitov embraces the intertwined nature of their stories, particularly as he has championship aspirations.

“I’m ready for it,” Vakhitov said. “Most of all, I need to finalize my upcoming fight first. I’m ready to do that. Because I guess that people will really like it. For organizers, for promoters, it’s also a big interest. I’m ready to do it. Let’s go.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for DWCS 75.

Kickboxing rival Artem Vakhitov downplays Alex Pereira’s UFC 307 win over Khalil Rountree

Artem Vakhitov is convinced after UFC 307 that all Alex Pereira can’t be the best striker because all he has is “one good punch.”

[autotag]Artem Vakhitov[/autotag] dismisses the notion that UFC light heavyweight champion [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] is the best striker in MMA.

Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) retained his title by battering Khalil Rountree in Round 4 of Saturday’s UFC 307 main event at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Vakhitov (2-1), a former rival of Pereira’s in kickboxing, wasn’t as high on Pereira’s performance as everyone else was.

“I don’t think that he’s really good and the best striker because to have just one good punch, it doesn’t mean you’re a really good striker,” Vakhitov told Submission Radio.

“A real striker is someone who has a lot of combinations, very different opportunities. He’s just taught well: one punch and deliver in it. But it doesn’t mean having good distance and timing and other stuff. So I think he’s not a really good striker because of it.”

Vakhitov and Pereira fought twice in Glory Kickboxing in back-to-back bouts. Pereria won their first meeting by split decision at Glory 77 in January 2021. Vakhitov avenged that loss eight months later by majority decision at Glory 78.

Pereira said he doubts Vakhitov can recreate their kickboxing history in the UFC, but Vakhitov thinks otherwise. The 33-year-old will look to earn a UFC contract Tuesday when he meets Islem Masraf (3-0) at Dana White’s Contender Series 75 from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

“Yes, for sure I saw it, and he could say now whatever he wants. But the time will come, and he will change his opinion, I’m sure,” Vakhitov said. “Fighting in small gloves is a different sport. We have a very good and experienced team. For sure in the future, if the fight would happen, we would do everything to be ready for it.”

[lawrence-related id=2775797,2776948,2776899,2776866]

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 307.