Alex Pereira has commented on Ciryl Gane’s training with Artem Vakhitov in preparation for their upcoming UFC clash.
Pereira, aiming for historic three-division glory in the UFC, is set to face Gane in the co-main event of UFC 250 this weekend, with an interim heavyweight title on the line.
Interestingly, Gane is collaborating with Vakhitov, who previously defeated “Poatan” via split decision in a rematch at Glory 78.
Responding to this development, Pereira stated:
“It makes no difference. Kickboxing and MMA are distinct sports, and I am not the same fighter I was when I competed against Vakhitov. I’ve evolved considerably… If Artem Vakhitov is a person of integrity, the most crucial advice he’ll impart to Ciryl Gane is, ‘Be cautious of this fighter; he’s incredibly tough.'”
Artem Vakhitov Believes Pereira’s Defense is a Weakness
Artem Vakhitov has reviewed his past fights with Alex Pereira to assist “Bon Gamin” in strategizing how to overcome “Poatan” on June 14. The Russian kickboxer commented:
“What makes Alex Pereira formidable is his powerful striking. He has achieved numerous knockouts in both kickboxing and MMA. His technique is minimal, but his strikes are highly effective. His vulnerability lies in his openness. He possesses an extremely potent offense, but his defense suffers.”
Artem Vakhitov further noted that “Poatan” has gained weight for his heavyweight debut, which he believes will not be advantageous. The 35-year-old suggests that most opponents are intimidated by the Brazilian’s devastating power and tend to fight defensively. However, considering Ciryl Gane’s natural heavyweight physique and dangerous striking, Vakhitov thinks “Bon Gamin” should employ pressure, close the distance, and control the fight’s tempo. According to Vakhitov, this approach would lead to a swift finish for the French fighter on June 14.
English Translation:
Alex Pereira has reacted to Ciryl Gane’s training with Artem Vakhitov before the UFC White House showdown.
Pereira is the first UFC fighter chasing three-division glory in the UFC. This weekend, when he faces Gane in the co-main event of UFC 250, the interim heavyweight title will be up for grabs.
Gane is training with Pereiraโs kickboxing rival, who defeated โPoatanโ by majority decision in a rematch at Glory 78.
Reacting to this news, Pereira recently said:
“It does not make a difference. Kickboxing and MMA are different sports. And I am not the same fighter when I fought Vakhitov. I have evolved a lotโฆ If Artem Vakhitov is an honest guy, the most important thing heโll say to Ciryl Gane is, โBe careful with this guy; heโs fu*king tough.โ”
Alex Pereiraโs โdefense suffersโ as per Artem Vakhitov
Artem Vakhitov revisited his own fights with Alex Pereira to help โBon Gaminโ understand how to break down โPoatanโ on June 14. The Russian kickboxer said:
โWhat 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.โ
Artem Vakhitov added that โPoatanโ has put on weight for his heavyweight debut, and that will not play out in his favor. The 35-year-old believes that most opponents are intimidated by the Brazilianโs 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 โBon Gaminโ needs to pressure Alex Pereira, close the distance, and dictate the pace. In that way, the French fighter will secure a quick finish on June 14, according to Vakhitov.
