Ciryl Gane has brought kickboxer Artem Vakhitov into his training camp as he prepares to face Alex Pereira. Vakhitov holds notable significance as the last fighter to defeat Pereira in kickboxing, achieving that victory in 2021. This strategic addition to Gane's camp suggests he is seeking specialized striking expertise from someone with direct experience against his upcoming opponent. The move highlights Gane's methodical approach to preparation and his willingness to seek out specific knowledge that could provide an edge in the contest.
Ciryl Gane has added Russian kickboxer Artem Vakhitov to his training camp as the French heavyweight prepares to challenge light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
Gane, known by his nickname "Bon Gamin," carries a 14-2 record and is ranked second in the heavyweight division. The 36-year-old from France trains out of MMA Factory and is one of the sport's most technically gifted strikers, averaging 5.29 significant strikes per minute with 61 percent accuracy. At six-foot-four with an 81-inch reach, he brings elite athleticism and a kickboxing background that has long set him apart in the heavyweight ranks.
Pereira, 38, is the reigning light heavyweight champion out of Brazil's Teixeira MMA and Fitness. "Poatan" holds a 13-4 record and averages 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy. He shares the same six-foot-four frame as Gane and carries a 79-inch reach, making him a formidable striker at any level of competition.
Vakhitov is the critical piece in Gane's preparation. The 35-year-old Russian orthodox striker, who stands six-foot-one with a 75-inch reach, holds a notable distinction: he was the last fighter to defeat Pereira in kickboxing, doing so in 2021. In his limited MMA appearances, Vakhitov has posted a 3-1 record and an exceptional striking accuracy of 85 percent, landing 3.88 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Vakhitov offers firsthand knowledge of Pereira's tendencies, rhythms, and vulnerabilities from their 2021 contest
- Gane is moving up to challenge a champion in a different weight class, adding an extra layer of preparation stakes
- Both Gane and Pereira are high-volume orthodox strikers of identical height, making precise technical preparation especially valuable
