Ciryl Gane has invited kickboxer Artem Vakhitov to his training camp ahead of his upcoming bout against Alex Pereira. Vakhitov holds the distinction of being the last man to defeat Pereira in kickboxing, having beaten him in 2021. The addition of Vakhitov to Gane's camp represents a strategic move, as the Russian kickboxer has direct experience with Pereira's striking style. This training partnership could provide Gane with valuable insights into Pereira's tendencies and weaknesses. The fight between Gane and Pereira has not been officially announced by the UFC, but Gane is clearly preparing for that potential matchup.
Ciryl Gane is sharpening his striking preparation by bringing Russian kickboxing standout Artem Vakhitov into his training camp as he eyes a potential showdown with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
Gane, known as "Bon Gamin," holds a 14-2 record and is currently ranked second in the heavyweight division. The 36-year-old Frenchman, who trains out of MMA Factory, stands six-foot-four with an 81-inch reach and is one of the more technically refined strikers in the heavyweight ranks, averaging 5.29 significant strikes per minute at 61 percent accuracy. He also mixes in a modest grappling threat, averaging 0.68 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Vakhitov brings something specific to the camp: first-hand knowledge of Pereira. The 35-year-old Russian orthodox striker is the last man to defeat Pereira in kickboxing, having handed him a loss back in 2021. Fighting out of the Kuzbass Muay Thai Federation, Vakhitov carries a 3-1 MMA record and boasts a remarkably high striking accuracy of 85 percent, landing 3.88 significant strikes per minute. His direct experience against Pereira's style and tendencies makes him a credible and targeted sparring resource.
Pereira, nicknamed "Poatan," is the reigning light heavyweight champion out of Brazil. The 38-year-old holds a 13-4 record and stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach. He averages 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy, making him one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport.
Why it matters
- Vakhitov is the last fighter to defeat Pereira in any combat sport, giving him unique tactical insight into the champion's striking patterns
- Gane's addition of a specialist sparring partner signals a focused, Pereira-specific game plan is already taking shape
- A potential Gane-Pereira matchup would pit the number-two heavyweight contender against the light heavyweight champion, carrying cross-divisional stakes
- As of this report, the UFC has not officially announced the fight
