The penultimate episode of DWCS 2024 arrives this week, with the Contender Series featuring more light heavyweight and heavyweight UFC hopefuls. Those two divisions arguably are in need of fresh blood more than any other, even if Alex Pereira (victorious once again this past weekend) has breathed new life into the flagging 205lb division.
Speaking of Pereira and the light heavyweight division, there’s a reason Artem Vakhitov is being given a look on Dana White’s Contender Series this week. Despite a record of 2-1 in MMA, he’s the last man to defeat “Poatan” in kickboxing. Hey, it worked when the UFC brought in Alex Pereria as a foil for Israel Adesanya; instead of one star, they wound up with two. It’s time to see if lightning can strike twice.
Our predictions are in for the latest episode of DWCS – here we go!
Light heavyweight, Artem Vakhitov (2-1) vs. Islem Masraf (3-0)
Notable Notes
- Vakhitov is the last person to beat Alex Pereira in kickboxing.
- Vakhitov is a two-time Glory light heavyweight champion.
- Masraf has fought between heavyweight and light heavyweight.
- This will be the first time Vakhitov has fought at heavyweight in MMA.
- Vakhitov’s only loss in MMA was due to injury.
- Masraf has only been fighting for a little over a year.
- Vakhitov has yet to fight past two minutes in MMA.
- Both guys have never gone the distance.
Artem Vakhitov
Pros
- Hits hard
- Excellent kickboxing
- Good ground and pound
- Heavy leg kicks
Cons
- N/A
Islem Masraf
Pros
- Good movement
- Heavy leg kicks
- Uses feints well
- Fast hands
Cons
- N/A
Prediction: This is a hard fight to predict because of all the unknowns with Vakhitov. Masraf is known for his highlight-reel headkick knockout where the other dude just walked to the center of the cage with his hands down. Vakhitov only has a 2-1 record but his one loss was because he dislocated his elbow a minute in. He’s definitely known for his kickboxing career. He is in fact the last person to beat Alex Pereira in kickboxing. Outside of that, Vakhitov is a two-time Glory light heavyweight champion and boasts a 23-6 record.
It’s tough to give an educated breakdown on this. I’d imagine the UFC wants Vakhitov to win because he already has the story with Pereira. It’s not as clear-cut because Masraf seems talented. He’s not had a lot of cage time but Masraf has potential. Vakhitov is a great kickboxer but MMA is a whole other sport. Not to mention, Vakhitov has fought the bottom of the barrel in MMA. This is basically a blind pick but I’m taking Vakhitov. Both are strikers so I’ll go with the high-level kickboxer. I’ve got Vakhitov by first-round knockout and I’m 55% confident.
