Artem Vakhitov is making waves in the combat sports world as he gears up for a significant return to kickboxing. After capturing attention as one of the top light heavyweights and earning a UFC contract through a TKO victory on Dana White’s Contender Series, Vakhitov has made the surprising decision to decline that contract. Instead, he is set to challenge the legendary Rico Verhoeven for the GLORY heavyweight title at the highly anticipated GLORY 100 event on June 14, 2025.
This pivotal match is poised to take place in the Netherlands, though specific venue details have yet to be disclosed. Vakhitov's decision to return to the sport that made him famous, rather than pursuing a UFC career, raises questions and interest among fans and analysts alike. Vakhitov stated, “I do not wish to appear arrogant regarding this contract... I understand they have their rules, and I respect that, but I am a prizefighter. I have daughters to provide for and a short window of opportunity,” a statement reflecting both his gratitude toward the UFC and his commitment to maximizing his career.
Vakhitov's history in kickboxing is nothing short of impressive; he is a two-time GLORY champion, heralded for his technical prowess and discipline in the ring. Between November 2015 and February 2023, Vakhitov recorded a remarkable 10-1 record under the GLORY banner, including five successful defenses of his light heavyweight title before losing it to Alex Pereira, the current UFC star. The rivalry between the two has captivated fans, with Vakhitov eager to reclaim his place among kickboxing’s elite.
The backdrop to Vakhitov's return involves the lifting of a ban on Russian fighters from GLORY, which had been in effect since June 2022 due to the geopolitical landscape following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. With the ban now lifted, Vakhitov is ready to capitalize on this opportunity and return to competitive kickboxing. In a recent interview, he expressed, “This is a fight I’ve wanted for a long time... But I’ve always believed I’m the best pound-for-pound kickboxer in GLORY, and that belief hasn’t changed.” His confidence sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most electrifying bouts in the sport's recent history.
Rico Verhoeven, widely regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers of all time, presents a formidable challenge for Vakhitov. Currently on a 21-fight winning streak, Verhoeven has held the GLORY heavyweight championship for over a decade, boasting an incredible twelve title defenses. He most recently secured a unanimous decision victory over Levi Rigters in December 2024, solidifying his status as the reigning king of kickboxing's heavyweight division. The stakes are high, and the anticipation surrounding the Verhoeven versus Vakhitov encounter only adds to the excitement.
Vakhitov’s declining of the UFC contract stemmed from what he and his management viewed as unfavorable negotiations. The UFC's policy dictates that all fighters coming from Dana White’s Contender Series receive a standard contract, which did not adequately reflect Vakhitov’s achievements in the sport. His manager, Andrey Busygin, articulated their position: “However, the UFC’s policy is that all Dana White Contender Series fighters receive the same contract with fixed terms. Personally, I found this unfair to Artem.” His decision not to compromise his career for the sake of a less favorable offer underscores the complexities of UFC contract negotiations and the significant implications they have for fighters' careers.
As he prepares for the showdown with Verhoeven, Vakhitov remains open to returning to MMA in the future, provided the right circumstances arise. "I’m mostly focusing on my upcoming fight. MMA will be dependent on offers. That's part of the job of my team, and also we will see what is happening," he stated, revealing his willingness to explore all avenues of his fighting career while remaining dedicated to kickboxing for now.
The excitement surrounding GLORY 100 allows not just for a landmark fight in Vakhitov’s career but also signifies a potential resurgence for kickboxing on the grand stage. Should Vakhitov triumph over Verhoeven, it could reinforce the credibility of the kickboxing landscape and highlight that seasoned fighters can cultivate their legacies outside of the UFC's grasp. This narrative invites broader conversations about the current state of combat sports and the evolving landscape influenced by contract dynamics.
In this pivotal moment, as Vakhitov stands on the brink of an epic clash against Rico Verhoeven, the implications extend beyond their matchup. As established fighters navigate their trajectories in both kickboxing and MMA, Vakhitov's choices illustrate a growing trend of athletes seeking personalized and fair contract negotiations. His story is a reminder of the intricacies involved in combat sports, where aspirations and financial realities intersect.
As fight fans mark their calendars for June 14, 2025, all eyes will be on GLORY 100, where one man's dream of heavyweight glory aligns with the other’s ambition to solidify his legacy in the ring. Vakhitov’s journey from a celebrated kickboxer to MMA hopeful and back again underscores the vibrant landscape of combat sports, where every fight is an opportunity to transcend limits and redefine one's career.
