Artem Vakhitov Walks Away from UFC Deal: Former GLORY Champion Makes Stunning Career Pivot

In a surprise move that’s sending ripples through the combat sports world, former GLORY kickboxing champion Artem Vakhitov has decided to turn his back on a UFC contract. The Russian striking specialist had seemingly secured his path to the octagon after an impressive showing on Dana White’s Contender Series, but now that journey has come to an unexpected halt.

From GLORY to Glory Denied: Vakhitov’s UFC Journey Ends Before It Begins

I’ve been following Vakhitov’s career for years, and this decision blindsided even the most plugged-in MMA insiders. The five-time GLORY light heavyweight champion looked poised to make waves in the UFC after earning a contract on DWCS last September with a first-round TKO win over Jacquelin Alix.

For those unfamiliar with Vakhitov’s pedigree, we’re talking about one of the most decorated strikers to ever attempt the transition to MMA. His kickboxing record stands at an impressive 23-6 with 10 knockouts, cementing him as one of the most feared standup fighters in combat sports.

Why would a fighter walk away from the UFC dream so many chase for years? Sources close to the situation suggest several factors may have influenced his decision, including contractual details and potential opportunities outside the promotion.

A Striking Legacy That Almost Crossed Over

At 33 years old, Vakhitov made a relatively late transition to MMA, debuting professionally in 2021. Though his sample size is small, his MMA record stands at 3-0, with all wins coming via knockout or technical knockout – exactly what you’d expect from someone with his striking credentials.

The Russian’s kickboxing style had UFC matchmakers salivating at potential firefights in the light heavyweight division. His technical precision, combined with serious power, had many analysts (myself included) predicting he could fast-track to relevance in a division always hungry for fresh contenders.

What’s Next for the Russian Striker?

The question on everyone’s mind now is where Vakhitov goes from here. At 33, he’s not exactly a spring chicken in fighting terms, but he’s far from done. Several possibilities emerge:

• Return to kickboxing, where his reputation remains stellar
• Sign with another MMA promotion like PFL or Bellator
• Pursue opportunities in bare-knuckle fighting, where strikers have found lucrative paydays
• Focus on coaching and developing the next generation of combat athletes

For the UFC, this represents a rare instance of a Contender Series winner walking away before even making their promotional debut. Dana White has yet to comment publicly on Vakhitov’s decision, but I wouldn’t be surprised to hear some characteristic straight talk from the UFC boss soon.

The Bigger Picture: Shifting Power Dynamics?

Vakhitov’s decision comes at an interesting time in combat sports, when fighters have more options than ever before. The UFC remains the premier MMA organization, but competitors like PFL (with their million-dollar tournaments) and ONE Championship (which allows fighters to compete across multiple combat sports) offer legitimate alternatives.

Could this be a sign of shifting leverage in fighter-promotion relations? It’s too early to call it a trend, but when a fighter of Vakhitov’s caliber walks away from the UFC opportunity so many dream of, it certainly raises eyebrows.

Final Thoughts: A Door Closes, Another Opens

Whatever path Vakhitov chooses next, his striking credentials ensure he’ll remain a valuable commodity in combat sports. For UFC fans who were looking forward to seeing how his elite kickboxing translated to the octagon, this news comes as a disappointment.

The light heavyweight division loses a potentially exciting addition, but as with all things in the fight game, the show goes on. Where would you like to see the Russian striker land next? One thing’s for certain – with hands like his, he’ll be worth watching regardless of the promotion or ruleset.

What are your thoughts on Vakhitov’s decision? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: Dana White’s Contender Series