Ciryl Gane has invited kickboxer Artem Vakhitov to join his training camp in preparation for his fight against Alex Pereira. Vakhitov is notable for being the last fighter to defeat Pereira in kickboxing, achieving the victory in 2021. Gane is using Vakhitov's experience and knowledge of Pereira's style to gain an edge. This strategic addition underscores the importance of specialized sparring partners in high-level MMA preparation.
Ciryl Gane has brought Russian kickboxing standout Artem Vakhitov into his training camp as he prepares to challenge Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title. The move is a calculated one: Vakhitov holds the distinction of being the last fighter to beat Pereira in kickboxing, doing so in 2021.
Gane, known by his nickname "Bon Gamin," enters the fight ranked second in the light heavyweight division and carries a 14-2 professional MMA record. The 36-year-old Frenchman, who trains out of MMA Factory, stands six-foot-four with an 81-inch reach and posts an impressive 5.29 significant strikes landed per minute at 61 percent accuracy. He also contributes on the grappling side, averaging 0.68 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Pereira, also six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach, is the reigning light heavyweight champion and enters with a 13-4 record. The 38-year-old Brazilian known as "Poatan" lands 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy, making any standup exchange between these two genuinely dangerous.
Vakhitov brings a unique and specific intelligence to Gane's preparation. The 35-year-old Russian, who fights out of the Kuzbass Muay Thai Federation, carries an MMA record of 3-1 with a striking accuracy of 85 percent and 3.88 significant strikes per minute. His firsthand knowledge of Pereira's tendencies, timing, and weaknesses in a kickboxing context gives Gane's camp something no conventional sparring partner could provide.
Why it matters
- Vakhitov is the last man to defeat Pereira in kickboxing, giving Gane direct access to a proven blueprint
- The addition highlights a striking-heavy matchup where every technical edge counts
- Gane faces a reigning champion who is equally active on the feet, making stylistic preparation critical
