Ciryl Gane has recruited kickboxer Artem Vakhitov to his training camp in preparation for his fight at UFC White House against Alex Pereira. Vakhitov is notable as the last person to defeat Alex Pereira in kickboxing, having done so in 2021. The addition of Vakhitov to Gane's camp suggests a strategic focus on studying Pereira's striking vulnerabilities. This training partnership could provide Gane with valuable insights into exploiting weaknesses in Pereira's game. The move highlights Gane's commitment to preparation for the high-profile heavyweight matchup.
Ciryl Gane has brought Russian kickboxer Artem Vakhitov into his training camp as he prepares to face UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira at UFC White House on June 14, 2026. The move carries clear strategic intent: Vakhitov is the last man to beat Pereira in kickboxing, having done so in 2021.
Gane, known by his nickname "Bon Gamin," enters the fight ranked second in the heavyweight division with a professional MMA record of 14-2-0. 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 sport, 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, nicknamed "Poatan," is the reigning light heavyweight champion and holds a 13-4-0 record. The 38-year-old Brazilian trains out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness, stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach, and averages 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy. His striking power and finishing ability have defined his UFC run.
Vakhitov brings a specific frame of reference that few others can offer. The 35-year-old Russian orthodox striker stands six-foot-one with a 75-inch reach and carries an 85 percent striking accuracy figure across his MMA record of 3-1-0. His experience sharing the canvas with Pereira in kickboxing gives Gane's camp a firsthand perspective on how Pereira moves, counters, and can be pressured.
Why it matters
- Vakhitov is the last opponent to defeat Pereira in combat sports, making him a uniquely valuable sparring and analytical resource
- Gane's reach advantage of 81 inches over Pereira's 79 inches could factor into the range-based game Gane is likely building
- The camp addition signals Gane is prioritizing striking preparation over wrestling for this matchup
Sunday, June 14, 2026
