Artem Vakhitov’s story sounds like one we’ve heard before until it veers off in a bit of a different direction.
Fans looking for a blood-thirsty former rival who will storm into the UFC, badmouth one of its champions, and engage in a heated build-up to a long-awaited third meeting will have to remain content with Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya.
Don’t get it twisted: Vakhitov (2-1) wants that crack at Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC), arguably the promotion’s biggest active star. After all, they are tied at one win apiece from showdowns of yesteryear in kickboxing.
