Ciryl Gane has invited kickboxer Artem Vakhitov to his training camp to prepare for his upcoming fight against Alex Pereira. Vakhitov is the last fighter to defeat Pereira in kickboxing, with that victory occurring in 2021. Gane's decision to train with Vakhitov indicates a focused approach to studying Pereira's striking weaknesses. The collaboration suggests Gane is leveraging specialized expertise to gain a tactical edge. No additional details about the camp location or duration were provided.
Ciryl Gane has brought kickboxing champion Artem Vakhitov into his training camp as he prepares to face light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, with the collaboration aimed squarely at dissecting Pereira's striking game.
Gane, known as "Bon Gamin," enters the camp as the number-two ranked heavyweight in the UFC, carrying a 14-2 record. 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 polished strikers in the heavyweight division, landing 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.
Vakhitov is the specific reason for the invitation. The 35-year-old Russian orthodox striker, who competes under the Kuzbass Muay Thai Federation banner, holds the notable distinction of being the last man to defeat Pereira in kickboxing, doing so in 2021. Standing six-foot-one with a 75-inch reach, Vakhitov posts a remarkable 85 percent striking accuracy in his MMA record of 3-1.
Alex Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, is 38 years old and represents Brazil out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness. "Poatan" carries a 13-4 MMA record and lands 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy. His kickboxing background forms the foundation of his combat style, making Vakhitov's firsthand experience against him a uniquely valuable resource.
Why it matters
- Vakhitov's 2021 kickboxing victory over Pereira offers Gane direct, experiential insight into the champion's striking tendencies and potential vulnerabilities
- Gane's reach advantage over Pereira — 81 inches versus 79 inches — could become a focal point of the tactical planning
- The collaboration signals a highly structured, striking-specific preparation rather than a generalized camp approach
