Alex Pereira has shared his thoughts on Ciryl Gane’s decision to train with Artem Vakhitov in preparation for their upcoming UFC showdown. Pereira, who is aiming for three-division glory in the UFC, will face Gane for the interim heavyweight title this weekend.
Interestingly, Gane is collaborating with Vakhitov, a prominent kickboxer who previously defeated “Poatan” by majority decision in a rematch at Glory 78. The news of this partnership has circulated, with Vakhitov offering his analysis on Pereira’s fighting style.
Responding to the situation, Pereira stated, “It doesn’t make a 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, for his part, has revisited his past encounters with Alex Pereira to assist “Bon Gamin” in understanding how to overcome “Poatan.” Vakhitov commented on Pereira’s strengths and weaknesses, noting, “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.”
Vakhitov also suggested that Pereira’s weight gain for his heavyweight debut might not be advantageous. He believes that while many opponents are intimidated by Pereira’s power and fight defensively, Gane, a natural heavyweight and skilled striker, should adopt an aggressive approach. Vakhitov advised Gane to pressure Pereira, close the distance, and control the fight’s tempo to secure an early victory.
English Translation:
Alex Pereira has reacted to Ciryl Gane’s training with Artem Vakhitov prior to the UFC White House event. Pereira is on the cusp of achieving a rare three-division title in the UFC. This weekend, he will contend for the interim heavyweight title against Gane in the co-main event of UFC 250.
Gane is currently training with Vakhitov, who is a known kickboxing rival of Pereira’s. Vakhitov previously defeated “Poatan” via majority decision in their rematch at Glory 78.
Commenting on this development, Pereira recently stated, “It makes no difference. Kickboxing and MMA are distinct sports. Furthermore, I am not the same fighter I was when I competed against Vakhitov. I have undergone significant evolution… If Artem Vakhitov is a man of integrity, the most crucial advice he would offer Ciryl Gane is, ‘Be wary of this fighter; he is incredibly tough.'”
Artem Vakhitov has reviewed his previous bouts with Alex Pereira to help “Bon Gamin” strategize on how to dismantle “Poatan” on June 14. The Russian kickboxer elaborated, “The factor that makes Alex Pereira formidable is his powerful striking. He has secured numerous knockouts in both kickboxing and MMA. While his technique may be minimal, his strikes are highly effective. His vulnerability lies in his defensive gaps. He possesses an extremely potent offense, but his defense is compromised.”
Artem Vakhitov added that “Poatan” has gained weight for his heavyweight debut, a move he believes will not benefit him. The 35-year-old fighter opines that most opponents are intimidated by the Brazilian’s devastating power, leading them to fight cautiously. However, considering Ciryl Gane’s status as a natural 265-pounder and a dangerous striker, Vakhitov contends that “Bon Gamin” needs to apply pressure on Alex Pereira, reduce the distance, and dictate the pace. In this manner, the French fighter can achieve a swift finish on June 14, according to Vakhitov.
