Ciryl Gane brings in Artem Vakhitov to prepare for Alex Pereira

Ciryl Gane has brought kickboxing standout Artem Vakhitov into his training camp as he prepares to challenge Alex Pereira, with the French heavyweight looking to extract every possible tactical edge ahead of the high-stakes bout.

Gane, nicknamed "Bon Gamin," enters the fight ranked second in the heavyweight division with a 14-2 record. The 36-year-old from France trains out of MMA Factory and stands six-foot-four with an 81-inch reach — among the longest in the sport. He averages 5.29 significant strikes per minute at 61 percent accuracy, and also contributes on the ground with 0.68 takedowns per 15 minutes.

Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, carries a 13-4 record and comes in at the same height as Gane at six-foot-four, with a 79-inch reach. The 38-year-old Brazilian averages 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy, making him one of the more active and precise strikers in the promotion. His finishing power in kickboxing is well documented, which is precisely why Gane's camp turned to Vakhitov.

Vakhitov, 35, is the most recent fighter to have beaten Pereira in kickboxing, doing so in 2021. The Russian Orthodox striker stands six-foot-one with a 75-inch reach and carries an eye-catching 85 percent striking accuracy in MMA competition. He represents a rare resource — a combat sports athlete with direct, successful experience against Gane's upcoming opponent.

Why it matters

• Vakhitov holds a kickboxing win over Pereira as recently as 2021, offering Gane a firsthand tactical blueprint
• Pereira's striking output and accuracy make stand-up preparation the clear priority for Gane's camp
• A victory would have significant divisional implications, potentially reshaping the light heavyweight title picture given Gane's heavyweight background