Ciryl Gane has invited kickboxer Artem Vakhitov to join his training camp in preparation for his bout against Alex Pereira. Vakhitov holds the distinction of being the last fighter to defeat Pereira in kickboxing, having done so in 2021. This strategic addition to Gane's team suggests he is seeking specific expertise to counter Pereira's striking prowess. The move highlights the importance of specialized training partners in high-level MMA preparation. By bringing in someone who has successfully beaten Pereira before, Gane appears to be taking a targeted approach to his game plan for the upcoming fight.
Ciryl Gane has brought Russian kickboxer Artem Vakhitov into his training camp as he prepares to face light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, the two sides confirmed on April 20.
Gane, known as "Bon Gamin," enters the camp as the number-two ranked heavyweight contender, holding a 14-2 record and fighting out of MMA Factory in France. The six-foot-four, 36-year-old carries an 81-inch reach and has built his reputation on high-output, technical striking, averaging 5.29 significant strikes per minute at 61 percent accuracy, while also mixing in takedown threats at a rate of 0.68 per fifteen minutes.
Vakhitov's appeal to the camp is clear. 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 brings elite-level kickboxing credentials, posting a striking accuracy rate of 85 percent across his 3-1 MMA record — figures that reflect the technical precision Gane's team is looking to absorb and study.
Pereira, "Poatan," is the reigning light heavyweight champion out of Brazil with a 13-4 record. The 38-year-old Brazilian stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach and averages 5.16 significant strikes landed per minute, making him one of the most dangerous orthodox strikers in the sport.
Why it matters
- Vakhitov's 2021 kickboxing victory over Pereira gives Gane's camp a rare first-hand blueprint of how to pressure and expose the champion on the feet.
- Pereira's 62 percent striking accuracy and volume make him a natural threat to Gane, who will need sharp, specialized preparation to manage range and timing.
- The addition signals Gane is prioritizing a striking-focused game plan rather than leaning solely on his grappling options heading into the title fight.
