Alex Pereira has responded to the news that Ciryl Gane is training with Artem Vakhitov in preparation for their upcoming UFC fight. Pereira, who is on the cusp of achieving three-division glory in the UFC, is set to face Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event of UFC 250. Interestingly, Gane is collaborating with Pereira’s past kickboxing rival, Artem Vakhitov, who previously defeated “Poatan” via majority decision in a rematch at Glory 78.
Addressing the situation, Pereira stated that the collaboration between Gane and Vakhitov makes no difference to him. He emphasized the distinction between kickboxing and mixed martial arts, asserting that he is a significantly evolved fighter compared to when he last faced Vakhitov. Pereira suggested that if Vakhitov is being truthful, his primary advice to Gane should be a warning about Pereira’s toughness.
Meanwhile, Artem Vakhitov has shared his analysis of Alex Pereira’s fighting style with Ciryl Gane, aiming to help “Bon Gamin” devise a strategy to defeat “Poatan” on June 14. Vakhitov identified Pereira’s “stone hands” and highly effective, albeit minimally technical, strikes as his main strengths, responsible for numerous knockouts in both kickboxing and MMA. However, Vakhitov also pointed out Pereira’s defensive vulnerability, stating that his strong offensive output comes at the expense of his guard.
Vakhitov further commented on Pereira’s weight gain for his heavyweight debut, suggesting it might not be advantageous. He believes that while many opponents are intimidated by Pereira’s power and tend to fight defensively, Ciryl Gane, a natural heavyweight and dangerous striker, should adopt an aggressive approach. Vakhitov’s strategy for Gane involves pressuring Pereira, closing the distance, and controlling the fight’s tempo, which he predicts will lead to a swift victory for the French fighter.
English Translation:
Alex Pereira Unbothered by Former Opponent Assisting Ciryl Gane Before UFC Fight
Alex Pereira has reacted to the news of Ciryl Gane training with Artem Vakhitov ahead of their UFC fight. Pereira, who is pursuing three-division glory in the UFC, will face Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event of UFC 250 this weekend. Gane is training with Pereira’s kickboxing rival, Artem Vakhitov, who defeated “Poatan” by majority decision in a rematch at Glory 78.
Reacting to this development, Pereira recently stated, “It makes no difference. Kickboxing and MMA are different sports. And I am not the same fighter when I fought Vakhitov. I have evolved a lot… If Artem Vakhitov is an honest guy, the most important thing he’ll say to Ciryl Gane is, ‘Be careful with this guy; he’s fu*king tough.’”
Artem Vakhitov has revisited his past fights with Alex Pereira to assist “Bon Gamin” in understanding how to break down “Poatan” on June 14. The Russian kickboxer commented, “What makes Alex Pereira dangerous is his stone hands. He has knocked many people out in kickboxing and MMA. Minimal technique, but very effective strikes that land. His weakness is his openness. He has a very strong attack, but his defense suffers.”
Artem Vakhitov added that “Poatan” has gained weight for his heavyweight debut, which he believes will not work in his favor. The 35-year-old thinks most opponents are intimidated by the Brazilian’s devastating power and tend to fight off the back foot. However, with Ciryl Gane being a natural 265-pounder and a dangerous striker, Vakhitov believes “Bon Gamin” needs to pressure Alex Pereira, close the distance, and dictate the pace. In this manner, the French fighter will secure a quick finish on June 14, according to Vakhitov.
