Alex Pereira downplayed Ciryl Gane’s preparation with Artem Vakhitov. The Brazilian faces the Frenchman on June 14, in the co-main event of UFC White House, in Washington. Gane hired the Russian kickboxer, who beat Pereira twice at Glory in 2021, to help with the strategy. Poatan guaranteed that the kickboxing background does not influence the MMA confrontation.
The UFC White House marks a historic event. The fight is worth the interim heavyweight title. Pereira moved up a division after dominating the light heavyweight division and is looking to become the organization’s first three-division champion. Gane, a former title challenger, sees the opportunity to return to the top.
Vakhitov analyzes Pereira’s weaknesses
Artem Vakhitov shared advice with Ciryl Gane during camp. The Russian highlighted Pereira’s powerful hands, but pointed out exposure in defense. He suggested initial pressure to take the Brazilian off the pace. Vakhitov cited Israel Adesanya’s victory over Pereira as an example of exploiting weaknesses.
- Vakhitov beat Pereira at Glory 78 in Rotterdam in 2021
- Previously, Poatan had defeated the Russian at Glory 77
- The Russian kickboxer is 35 years old and has experience against aggressive strikers
- He recommended aggressiveness to neutralize Pereira’s knockout power
The Russian predicted that the fight will end early, with an advantage for Gane. He mentioned Pereira’s weight gain as a possible disadvantage, as the Frenchman feels comfortable in the division.
Direct answer from Alex Pereira
The champion reacted calmly to the news from the opposing camp. Pereira stated that kickboxing and MMA are different sports. He highlighted his evolution since his last meeting with Vakhitov, almost five years ago. The Brazilian recalled that a lot has changed in the UFC, with knockout victories in impressive sequences.
Pereira mentioned his only recent defeat in the UFC, against Magomed Ankalaev. Afterwards, he recovered in dominant fashion. The 38-year-old fighter reinforced that Gane will be alone in the octagon, regardless of training. He joked that Vakhitov should warn about his toughness.
History between Pereira and Vakhitov
The rivalry in kickboxing shaped part of Poatan’s trajectory. The struggles in Rotterdam showed mutual evolution. Pereira lost the first decision, won the second and then lost again. Vakhitov used movement and counterattacks to overcome the Brazilian’s power.
In MMA, Pereira transformed the style. He adapted his striking to the cage, with better defensive takedowns and improved cardio. Wins against Adesanya, Prochazka and others have strengthened his position. Gane, in turn, brings speed and range, characteristics that Vakhitov knows well.
Gane’s strategy for the confrontation
Ciryl Gane seeks specific details about Pereira. The Frenchman trained with Vakhitov to understand the Brazilian’s timing and openings. Gane has a history of technical fights, with good footwork and distance control. The preparation aims to nullify the power of a punch from Pereira, who has already decided many fights in the UFC.
The fight takes place in Washington, on the White House lawn. The event celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States. Dana White put together a card with high-level attractions. Pereira comes in as a favorite for many analysts, but Gane promises surprise with the new approach.
What changes for the interim title
The heavyweight category is going through a period of transition. Tom Aspinall, lineal champion, did not face Pereira due to medical reasons. The Brazilian accepted the fight against Gane so as not to wait. Poatan’s victory could pave the way for future unification. Gane’s defeat would complicate his return to the top.
Pereira is 13-3 in MMA. Gane records 13-2. The two strikers promise an explosive confrontation. Poatan’s knockout record against Gane’s movement generates high expectations among fans.
UFC White House Event Details
The main card includes other important fights. The event takes place on June 14th. Live streaming must reach a large global audience. Pereira has already appeared in press conferences and promos, always with confidence. It reinforces the focus on the present, without clinging to the past in kickboxing.
Gane’s preparation with Vakhitov adds an extra layer to the narrative. Analysts debate whether the Russian input really changes the scenario. Pereira continues training with his team, confident in progressing to MMA.
