Alex Pereira has commented on Ciryl Gane’s training sessions with Artem Vakhitov in preparation for their upcoming UFC fight.
Pereira, who is aiming for a historic three-division championship in the UFC, is set to face Gane in the co-main event of UFC 250 for the interim heavyweight title. Notably, Gane has enlisted the help of Vakhitov, a kickboxer who previously defeated Pereira by majority decision in a rematch at Glory 78.
Responding to this development, Pereira stated:
“It makes no 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 honorable man, the most important thing he will tell Ciryl Gane is, ‘Be careful with this guy; he is incredibly tough.’”
Artem Vakhitov Identifies Weakness in Pereira’s Defense
Artem Vakhitov has been sharing insights from his past encounters with Alex Pereira to assist Ciryl Gane in strategizing for their fight on June 14. The Russian kickboxer observed:
“What makes Alex Pereira dangerous is his powerful striking. He has knocked out many opponents in both kickboxing and MMA. His technique is minimal, but his strikes are highly effective. His vulnerability lies in his openness. He possesses a very strong offense, but his defense suffers.”
Vakhitov also suggested that Pereira’s weight gain for his heavyweight debut might not be advantageous. He believes that many opponents are intimidated by the Brazilian’s formidable power and tend to fight defensively. However, Vakhitov sees Gane, a natural heavyweight and a skilled striker, as someone who needs to apply pressure, close the distance, and control the pace of the fight. According to Vakhitov, this approach could lead to a swift victory for the French fighter on June 14.
English Translation
Alex Pereira Unfazed by Former Opponent Assisting Ciryl Gane
Alex Pereira has reacted to Ciryl Gane’s training sessions with Artem Vakhitov ahead of their UFC showdown.
Pereira is on the verge of achieving a historic milestone in the UFC, aiming for three-division glory. This weekend, in the co-main event of UFC 250, he will compete against Gane for the interim heavyweight title. Gane is currently training with Pereira’s kickboxing rival, Artem Vakhitov, who handed “Poatan” a majority decision loss in their rematch at Glory 78.
In response to this news, Pereira recently commented:
“It makes no difference. Kickboxing and MMA are different sports. And I am not the same fighter I was 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 incredibly tough.'”
Alex Pereira’s Defense Suffers, According to Artem Vakhitov
Artem Vakhitov has revisited his past fights with Alex Pereira to help “Bon Gamin” understand how to break down “Poatan” on June 14. The Russian kickboxer stated:
“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 that 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 dangerous striker, Vakhitov believes “Bon Gamin” needs to pressure Alex Pereira, close the distance, and dictate the pace. According to Vakhitov, this strategy will allow the French fighter to secure a quick finish on June 14.