Ciryl Gane has invited kickboxer Artem Vakhitov to join his training camp as he prepares for his upcoming fight against Alex Pereira. Vakhitov holds a notable distinction as the last fighter to defeat Pereira in kickboxing, having accomplished that feat in 2021. The strategic recruitment suggests Gane is seeking specialized insight into Pereira's striking game. Vakhitov's experience and knowledge from his victory over Pereira could provide valuable tactical advantages during camp preparations.
Ciryl Gane has brought Russian kickboxing standout Artem Vakhitov into his training camp as he prepares to challenge light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, with the move appearing designed to exploit a very specific piece of history.
Gane, known as "Bon Gamin," enters the camp ranked second in the heavyweight division with a 14-2 record. The 36-year-old Frenchman, who trains out of MMA Factory and stands six-foot-four with an 81-inch reach, is one of the sport's most technically gifted strikers, averaging 5.29 significant strikes per minute at 61 percent accuracy. He also mixes in takedowns and submission attempts, averaging 0.68 takedowns and 0.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Pereira, 38, is the reigning light heavyweight champion carrying a 13-4 record. The Brazilian, also six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach, produces a similar output on the feet at 5.16 significant strikes per minute and 62 percent accuracy, though his grappling activity is minimal. His knockout power has defined his run through the division.
Vakhitov is the key addition here. The 35-year-old Russian holds a 3-1 MMA record and carries an extraordinary striking pedigree, posting an 85 percent striking accuracy mark alongside 3.88 significant strikes per minute. More importantly for Gane's purposes, Vakhitov is the last fighter to defeat Pereira in kickboxing, having done so in 2021. That firsthand knowledge of how Pereira operates, where he is pressured and where his timing can be disrupted, is precisely what Gane appears to be seeking.
Why it matters
- Vakhitov's 2021 kickboxing win over Pereira gives Gane's camp rare, direct tactical intelligence on the champion's striking patterns
- Pereira averages just 0.11 takedowns per 15 minutes, suggesting the fight will largely be decided on the feet, making striking-specific preparation critical
- A win would move Gane across divisions and deliver Pereira his first UFC defeat since dropping to light heavyweight
