Last to beat Poatan in kickboxing questions the Brazilian's talent: 'He's not a good striker'

Artem Vakhitov in victory over Alex Poatán (Photo: Instagram)

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after winning Khalil rountree in the main fight of UFC 307, held last Saturday (05), Alex Poatán continues to impress fans and experts with his victories. Despite having knocked out his last four opponents, the Brazilian is still not considered a good striker by Artem Vakhitov, the last person to defeat him in kickboxing.

In a recent interview with the YouTube channel 'Submission Radio', Vakhitov stated that, despite the Brazilian having a powerful punch, he does not consider him a complete striker, pointing out the lack of some technical characteristics in Alex.

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“I don’t think he’s really good, because he just has one good punch, and that doesn’t mean he’s a good striker. A real striker is someone who has a lot of combinations, different opportunities. He just thought well and threw a punch. But that doesn’t mean he has a good sense of distance, good timing or other qualities. That’s why he’s not a good striker,” Vakhitov explained.

With 22 professional kickboxing wins and only six losses, former Glory champion Artem has faced Poatan twice, with one victory for each side. Now, having moved to MMA, the Russian believes he is ready to face the UFC light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) again, this time with 4-ounce gloves.

“Fighting with small gloves is really different, it’s another sport. But we have a team with a lot of experience and for sure in the future if the fight happens we will be ready,” said the Russian kickboxer.

Fight in the Contender Series

Artem Vakhitov started his MMA career on the wrong foot. In his debut, he was defeated due to an arm injury while in a dominant position. In his subsequent fights, he scored two first-round knockouts, catching the attention of Dana White, who invited him to try for a spot in the UFC through 'Dana White's Contender Series'.

Your fight in the Contender Series takes place next Tuesday (08), when he will face the Frenchman Isfem Maraf, who has three wins and no losses on his resume. Vakhitov said he is ready for the confrontation, which could earn him a contract with the UFC.

“He’s a striker. We’re ready for anything he can bring to the fight and any of his moves,” Artem said.