Ciryl Gane has invited kickboxer Artem Vakhitov to his training camp as he prepares to face Alex Pereira. Vakhitov is significant because he was the last fighter to defeat Pereira in kickboxing, achieving that victory in 2021. This move suggests Gane is seeking specialized striking expertise from someone who has successfully solved Pereira's style. The training partnership could provide Gane with valuable insights into Pereira's tendencies and weaknesses. No details were provided about the duration of the camp or when the Gane-Pereira fight is scheduled.
Ciryl Gane has brought Russian kickboxing standout Artem Vakhitov into his training camp as the French heavyweight contender prepares for a rematch against light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
The move carries clear strategic logic. Vakhitov, 35, is the last man to hand Pereira a defeat in kickboxing, doing so in 2021. The Russian fights out of the Kuzbass Muay Thai Federation, stands six-foot-one with a 75-inch reach, and carries a striking accuracy rate of 85 percent in his combat sports career. His firsthand knowledge of Pereira's tendencies makes him an unusually specific resource for a camp targeting the champion.
Gane, known as "Bon Gamin," enters the camp at 36 years old and ranked second in the heavyweight division with a 14-2 record. The six-foot-four Frenchman operates out of MMA Factory in Paris and is one of the more technically precise strikers in the division, landing 5.29 significant strikes per minute at 61 percent accuracy. He also mixes in takedowns and submission attempts, averaging 0.68 takedown attempts and 0.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Pereira, 38, is the reigning light heavyweight champion and holds a 13-4 record. The Brazilian, nicknamed "Poatan," stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach and lands 5.16 significant strikes per minute. His striking output and finishing power have defined his UFC tenure, making the search for a tactical edge entirely understandable from Gane's perspective.
Why it matters
- Vakhitov is the only fighter in recent memory to solve Pereira's striking in a competitive setting, giving Gane access to a rare blueprint
- The camp addition signals Gane is prioritizing striking preparation over other aspects of his game for this matchup
- Both Gane and Pereira share nearly identical height and reach, meaning the margin in a standup exchange will likely come down to timing and craft rather than physical advantages
