Artem Vakhitov and Alex Pereira have been two of the biggest names in kickboxing for years, with their rivalry being one of the most anticipated in the sport. However, fans will have to wait a little longer for their much-awaited trilogy showdown as Vakhitov has made the decision to turn down a contract with Dana White’s Contender Series.
The former GLORY light heavyweight champion has been linked to Pereira for years, with the two having faced off twice in the ring. Vakhitov emerged victorious in their first encounter, handing Pereira his first loss in kickboxing. However, Pereira was able to avenge his defeat in their second fight, leaving fans eagerly anticipating a third and final showdown between the two.
But it seems like that won’t be happening anytime soon, as Vakhitov has decided to put his UFC dreams on hold. The Russian fighter was expected to join the UFC after signing a contract with Dana White’s Contender Series, but he has now revealed the real reason behind his decision to turn it down.
In an exclusive interview, Vakhitov opened up about his decision, stating that he has a family to support and that was the main factor in his decision. He said, “I have a family to support, and the UFC’s offer was not enough for me to provide for them. I have a wife and two children, and I need to make sure they are taken care of.”
Vakhitov’s decision may come as a surprise to many, as the UFC is known for being one of the biggest and most lucrative promotions in the world. But for Vakhitov, his family comes first, and he wants to make sure that they are financially secure before making the jump to the UFC.
The 30-year-old fighter also revealed that he had received offers from other promotions as well, but they were not as appealing as the UFC’s. He said, “I did receive other offers, but they were not as good as the UFC’s. However, I have to think about my family first and make the best decision for them.”
Vakhitov’s decision to turn down the UFC’s offer may have disappointed fans who were eagerly waiting for his debut in the promotion. But it is a testament to his character and his values as a family man. He has shown that he is not just a fierce fighter in the ring, but also a responsible husband and father outside of it.
Vakhitov’s manager, Alexei Zhernakov, also spoke about the decision, stating that they are still open to offers from the UFC in the future. He said, “We are still open to offers from the UFC, and we hope to reach an agreement in the future. Artem is a top fighter, and we believe he has what it takes to compete in the UFC.”
Fans may have to wait a little longer for Vakhitov’s UFC debut, but it is clear that he has made the right decision for himself and his family. He has shown that he is not just a talented fighter, but also a responsible and caring individual.
In the meantime, Vakhitov will continue to compete in kickboxing, and fans can still look forward to a potential third fight with Pereira in the future. Their rivalry is one of the most exciting in the sport, and it is a fight that fans do not want to miss.
In conclusion, Artem Vakhitov’s decision to turn down the UFC’s offer may have disappointed fans, but it is a decision that shows his commitment to his family. He has proven that he is not just a fighter, but also a loving husband and father. Fans can still look forward to seeing him in the ring, and hopefully, a third fight with Alex Pereira in the near future.
