If you were anticipating Artem Vakhitov's UFC debut after his impressive win on Dana White's Contender Series last October, you'll have to keep waiting. Despite earning a UFC contract with a first-round TKO victory over Islem Maraf, Vakhitov announced he has parted ways with the organization due to contract disputes.
Vakhitov (3-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), a two-time GLORY light heavyweight kickboxing champion, gained widespread attention in the combat sports community because of his intense rivalry with former kickboxing opponent and current UFC star Alex Pereira. This rivalry made his UFC debut especially intriguing, raising hopes of a future trilogy bout between the two fighters.
However, issues arose when it came to finalizing Vakhitov's UFC contract. According to Vakhitov, the promotion offered him a standard Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) contract, which typically consists of a four-fight deal spanning 20 months. His manager, Andrey Busygin, told MMA Junkie that negotiations for improved terms were unsuccessful because the UFC maintained a strict policy of uniform contracts for fighters entering through the DWCS pathway.
"I was thrilled to earn a UFC contract, especially with Alex Pereira watching cage-side," Vakhitov explained. "We spoke afterward; the trilogy fight seemed possible if I could win one or two fights inside the UFC. But when the UFC presented their DWCS-standard contract, the financial terms weren't suitable for my career or my family. Unfortunately, we had to respectfully decline."
Busygin added that they were seeking a similar contract to what Pereira received when he joined the UFC with an identical 3-1 MMA record. UFC officials, however, emphasized standard rules apply for all Contender Series fighters, regardless of previous achievements.
Both Vakhitov and Busygin stressed there are no hard feelings after negotiations broke down. While disappointed about losing the immediate opportunity to face Pereira again, they did not rule out revisiting discussions with the UFC in the future. "Our dealings were pleasant. Perhaps later we will talk again," said Vakhitov.
Meanwhile, Vakhitov isn't staying idle. He'll return to kickboxing in a major headline bout against heavyweight icon Rico Verhoeven at GLORY 100. This highly anticipated matchup takes place on June 14, 2024, in the Netherlands.
"I’ve been calling for this fight against Rico since 2017," Vakhitov said. "Rico Verhoeven is considered the king, dominating the heavyweight division for years. But I always viewed myself as GLORY's best pound-for-pound kickboxer. Maybe now the 'King' will finally face the 'Tsar.'"
Vakhitov's meeting with Verhoeven provides an exciting alternative for fight fans awaiting his next move, keeping alive the possibility of an eventual return for the anticipated trilogy with Pereira down the road.
