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Dana White reveals Alex Pereira’s key role in signing Artem Vakhitov, admits ‘Tremendous pressure’ of DWCS

UFC CEO, Dana White has revealed crunch talks with light heavyweight king, Alex Pereira following last night’s Contender Series return — before inking Russian striking ace, Artem Vakhitov — a two-fight foe of the Brazilian, to an Octagon contract.

Vakhitov, a former undisputed light heavyweight champion in GLORY Kickboxing, featured on last night’s edition of the Contender Series — landing a first round knockout win over Islem Masraf before the end of the frame — doing enough in the process to land himself a multi-fight deal in the UFC, while improving to 3-1 as a professional in mixed martial arts.