"He's All Attack, He Has No Defense": Last Man To Beat Alex Pereira Speaks Out

Photo: Instagram/Alex Pereira

Artem Vakhitov, the last fighter to defeat Alex Pereira in kickboxing, has shared his thoughts on the UFC champion’s recent success. Vakhitov is eyeing a trilogy fight with Pereira in the UFC.

Pereira has been dominating the UFC since his debut in 2021. However, Vakhitov isn’t as impressed, suggesting Pereira's success is partly due to his opponents' fear of him.

The two first fought in 2021 at Glory 77, where Pereira won by split decision, taking the light heavyweight title. Vakhitov won their rematch eight months later, reclaiming his title. Since then, Vakhitov has moved to MMA, holding a 2-1 record, with his latest win in February this year.

Photo: Instagram/Artem Vakhitov

After Pereira's recent title defense against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303, Vakhitov expressed his desire for a trilogy fight. "MMA always interested me, but now I'm motivated by the chance to fight Pereira again," he told MMAFighting.

Pereira's only UFC loss came from Israel Adesanya, who knocked him out in their rematch. Vakhitov believes Pereira's lack of defense is his biggest weakness. “He’s all attack, he has no defense. He leaves openings for skilled strikers, which Adesanya exploited,” Vakhitov said.


Vakhitov also thinks Pereira’s UFC opponents have been defeated mentally before the fight due to their fear of him. “They aren’t confident and think he’s unbeatable, so they lose before the fight even starts,” he claimed.

Vakhitov is confident he can beat Pereira again if they face off in the UFC. “I’ve beaten him in striking before, and I’m sure I’ll do it again in the UFC,” he concluded.

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Source: Bloody Elbow 

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