'It seems you're a bit lost'… Alex Pereira issues response to former kickboxing foe who has recently criticized him
09/07/2024 10:41
UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has clapped back at the last fighter to beat him in kickboxing, Artem Vakhitov, after the Russian criticized ‘Poatan’ claiming that he could beat him in MMA.
Back in 2021, Alex Pereira suffered a loss in his final kickboxing match, losing a majority decision against Artem Vakhitov. ‘Poatan’ then made his move to MMA where he has become one of the biggest stars in the sport.
The 37-year-old recently defended his UFC light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303, brutally knocking the Czech striker out in round two. Despite the emphatic knockout, Vakhitov has been critical of Pereira’s UFC run.
Alex Pereira issues response to Artem Vakhitov following recent comments
The Russian kickboxer has also transitioned to MMA recently, where he currently holds a 2-1 record. Speaking after the Brazilian’s UFC 303 win, Vakhitov claimed that Pereira doesn’t have any striking defense, and he would make him pay for that in MMA.
With the 33-year-old hopeful of someday making it to the UFC and completing his trilogy with ‘Poatan’, the UFC star has responded to Vakhitov’s recent criticism.
“Hey brother, be careful with the people that are giving you this idea. The same person that is advising you that has tried the same to me and I didn’t do it because I’m not stupid,” Pereira commented on Vakhitov’s and MMAFighting’s Instagram post.
“Everyone knows that when they gave you the win it’s because Glory knew that would be my last fight in the organization and they didn’t want me to leave with the belt! For you to expose yourself like this, it seems that you’re a bit lost and almost certainly don’t have a manager,” the Brazilian continued.
Vakhitov seemingly still has a way to go before he is considered by the UFC, however, because of his history with Pereira, he could get fast-tracked to the promotion.
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Alex Pereira is the oldest current UFC champion
Pereira recently celebrated his 37th birthday, making him the oldest active UFC champion, despite being one of the most active.
Continuing to become one of the promotion’s biggest stars, the Brazilian has continued to hint at a move up to heavyweight to try and capture another belt and make history by becoming the first fighter to win a belt in three separate weight divisions.
Not only that, but he has also recently hinted at a move to boxing after former heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, posted on social media that ‘Poatan’ should make his boxing debut.
Despite the multitude of different options, Pereira’s next move is currently unclear as both Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz have been campaigning to be the next title challenger.
