Artem Vakhitov (13-5, 5 KO’s) set the tone early in his fight with Saulo Cavalari (31-2, 19 KO’s) at GLORY 20 DUBAI, a huge left head kick ricocheting off of the Brazilian’s gloves in the opening seconds.
On the line was a shot at Gokhan Saki’s light-heavyweight title and they went after it with everything they had. Power shots were exchanged back and forth as they sought to find the win; only sheer toughness meant the fight went the distance.
“This was a contender for Fight Of The Year 2015 for sure,” said Cor Hemmers, GLORY matchmaker and Head of Talent Operations.
“Vakhitov was undefeated in three GLORY fights going into this one and Cavalari has been very impressive since his debut. His only loss has been to Tyrone Spong and even that was close, he gave Spong a very hard fight.”
In the end it was Cavalari who would emerge victorious, seizing control of the final round to take the win on the judges’ cards. Vakhitov is a better technician than the hulking Brazilian but fell back under his relentless aggression.
“Every time I get in the ring I am ready to die if I need to,” said a straight-faced Cavalari afterwards. “This is my dream. I want to be champion here and I want to take that belt to Brazil. Saki is a legend but I look forward to the fight and I am going to take that belt.”
