Former GLORY light heavyweight champion Artem Vakhitov recently gained attention after participating in Dana White’s Contender Series, where he secured a contract following a first-round knockout. However, Vakhitov’s aspirations for a lucrative deal akin to that of his contemporary, Alex Pereira, were halted due to the strict UFC compensation structure. Following this setback, Vakhitov has expressed his decision to part ways with the promotion and will instead return to GLORY to face heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven in the upcoming June bout.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Vakhitov’s Ambitions in the UFC |
| 2) The Contractual Restrictions at UFC |
| 3) Reflections on UFC Negotiations |
| 4) Future Prospects for Vakhitov |
| 5) Upcoming Fight Against Rico Verhoeven |
Vakhitov’s Ambitions in the UFC
Artem Vakhitov, a well-known figure in the kickboxing community, has long aspired to compete at the highest levels of mixed martial arts (MMA). His participation in Dana White’s Contender Series was driven by the hope of achieving a trilogy fight with fellow fighter Alex Pereira. These aspirations became more tangible after he knocked out Islem Masraf in October, an event that drew considerable attention due to Pereira’s presence in attendance. The trilogy concept stemmed from their previous encounters, with Pereira defeating Vakhitov in a 2021 bout for the GLORY light heavyweight title before losing it back to him later that same year.
The Contractual Restrictions at UFC
Despite his successful performance on the Contender Series, Vakhitov faced disappointing news regarding UFC pay. After earning a contract, he discovered that the UFC operates under a strict pay structure for fighters who come from the Contender Series. According to Vakhitov, negotiations with the UFC focused on this rigidity. “
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,
” he stated. He explained that the UFC was unable to offer him more than the standard contract amount available to other Contender Series fighters, despite his successful kickboxing career and competitive MMA record.
Reflections on UFC Negotiations
In discussions surrounding the contract offer, Vakhitov expressed disappointment in the UFC’s inflexible policies. He had hoped for terms that would reflect his previous success, particularly in light of what Alex Pereira earned when transitioning to the UFC. Vakhitov concluded, “
I could not justify the loss of earnings this contract would represent. And so we had to respectfully decline,
” illustrating his understanding of the UFC’s business model while still needing to consider his family’s financial needs as a professional prizefighter. He acknowledges the necessity of being pragmatic in this situation, particularly as a father of daughters whose well-being depends on his fighting career.
Future Prospects for Vakhitov
Despite stepping back from the UFC, Vakhitov’s future remains bright. He has indicated that he is open to potential negotiations with the UFC down the line. “
But all of our dealings were pleasant, and perhaps in the future we will talk again,
” he noted, emphasizing the positive nature of his interactions with UFC officials. The door to future engagements is not entirely closed; instead, Vakhitov sees it as a mutual understanding of each party’s needs and expectations within the sport.
Upcoming Fight Against Rico Verhoeven
In the aftermath of his UFC experience, Vakhitov is set to return to his roots in GLORY. He has secured a match against reigning heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven scheduled for June. This upcoming fight presents an opportunity for Vakhitov to reclaim his position in the kickboxing world and is viewed as a crucial moment in his career trajectory. The fight against Verhoeven, who is respected for his striking ability and competitive spirit, will be both challenging and significant for Vakhitov as he continues to navigate the complexities of professional fighting.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Artem Vakhitov earned a contract in Dana White’s Contender Series after a knockout victory. |
| 2 | The UFC’s strict pay structure prevented Vakhitov from receiving a more lucrative contract. |
| 3 | Vakhitov expressed disappointment over the inability to negotiate better terms based on his kickboxing experience. |
| 4 | He remains open to potential future conversations with the UFC. |
| 5 | Vakhitov is scheduled to compete against Rico Verhoeven in the GLORY ring in June. |
Summary
The journey of Artem Vakhitov highlights the challenges faced by fighters transitioning from kickboxing to MMA, particularly the constraints posed by promotion contracts. His recent experiences in Dana White’s Contender Series stemmed from ambitions of achieving professional growth within the UFC, but ultimately were stifled due to the organization’s rigid contractual framework. As Vakhitov prepares to return to GLORY against Rico Verhoeven, his decision underscores the importance of aligning financial realities with career aspirations as a professional athlete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is Dana White’s Contender Series?
Dana White’s Contender Series is a competitive showcase that invites fighters to demonstrate their skills, with the opportunity to earn a contract with the UFC.
Question: Why did Artem Vakhitov decline the UFC contract?
Vakhitov declined the UFC contract due to its strict structure, which did not meet his financial needs, particularly as a father.
Question: What are Vakhitov’s future plans in kickboxing?
Vakhitov plans to compete against heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven in June, marking his return to the GLORY ring.
