Artem Vakhitov wouldn't be signed to the UFC right now if it wasn't for the light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira. The former GLORY kickboxer, who was the last man to beat "Poatan" in the sport, earned a contract on this week's episode of Dana White's Contender Series.
Let alone getting this opportunity if it wasn't for the history that he has with Pereira, the champion himself convinced Dana White to give his former foe a contract after the UFC boss wasn't overly impressed by his performance at the Apex.
Vakhitov is still very early on in his MMA career but of course, a third fight between them taking place in MMA would be a big deal but that's still a long way in the distance right now.
Bisping on Artem Vakhitov's Potential
Vakhitov is sure to get some special treatment once he arrives into the UFC, even if he just moves through the ranks a little faster than most.
The issue with that is that he's not ready to compete against top contenders at light heavyweight however, a striking match between him and Pereira would suit him a lot better.
Former UFC champion Michael Bisping gave his reaction to how this all played out during a recent YouTube video.
"The Count" was on commentary for this episode and though he also wasn't overwhelmed by what he saw from Vakhitov on his UFC job interview, he believes that Pereira's former rival could make it to the top in the years to come. Acknowledging it's going to be a long road to the top, Bisping sees the greatness.
I think he could do it, I think he’s got the potential. 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 bright future and we could see that fight at some point down the line.”
- Michael Bisping on Vakhitov's potential