Alex Pereira has expressed indifference to Ciryl Gane’s training sessions with Artem Vakhitov leading up to their UFC fight. Pereira, who is aiming for a historic three-division title in the UFC, will face Gane for the interim heavyweight championship. Gane has enlisted the help of Vakhitov, a kickboxer who previously defeated Pereira by majority decision in a rematch at Glory 78.
Pereira stated that the collaboration between Gane and Vakhitov makes no difference, highlighting the distinct nature of kickboxing and MMA. He emphasized his significant evolution as a fighter since his last bout with Vakhitov. Pereira suggested that if Vakhitov is being truthful, he would advise Gane to be wary of Pereira’s toughness.
Artem Vakhitov, in turn, analyzed Pereira’s fighting style for Gane. Vakhitov identified Pereira’s powerful striking as his primary threat, noting its effectiveness despite minimal technique. However, Vakhitov pointed out Pereira’s defensive vulnerability, describing his offense as strong while his defense suffers. Vakhitov also commented on Pereira’s weight gain for his heavyweight debut, believing it might not be advantageous. He suggested that Gane, a natural heavyweight and skilled striker, should 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 their UFC showdown.
Pereira is making a bid for UFC history by pursuing a third division title. This weekend, he faces Gane in the co-main event of UFC 250, with the interim heavyweight title on the line. Gane has been training with Pereira’s kickboxing adversary, who defeated “Poatan” via split decision in their rematch at Glory 78.
Reacting to this news, Pereira recently commented: “It doesn’t make a difference. Kickboxing and MMA are different sports. And I am not the same fighter I was when I fought Vakhitov. I have evolved significantly… If Artem Vakhitov is an honest person, the most important thing he will tell Ciryl Gane is, ‘Be careful with this guy; he is incredibly tough.’”
Artem Vakhitov revisited his past fights with Alex Pereira to assist “Bon Gamin” in understanding how to dismantle “Poatan” on June 14. The Russian kickboxer stated:
“What makes Alex Pereira dangerous is his ‘stone hands.’ He has knocked out many opponents in kickboxing and MMA. He uses minimal technique, but his strikes land very effectively. His weakness lies in his openness. He possesses a very strong offense, but his defense suffers.”
Artem Vakhitov further added that “Poatan” has gained weight for his heavyweight debut, which he believes will not benefit him. The 35-year-old thinks most opponents are intimidated by the Brazilian’s devastating power and tend to fight defensively. However, with Ciryl Gane being a natural 265-pounder and a formidable striker, Vakhitov believes “Bon Gamin” needs to apply pressure on Alex Pereira, close the distance, and dictate the pace. According to Vakhitov, this approach will allow the French fighter to secure a quick finish on June 14.