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Artem Vakhitov Picks Ciryl Gane 70–30 After Training, Questions Alex Pereira’s Heavyweight Plan

A trusted former Pereira opponent says Gane’s skills look sharper up close, which raises doubts about whether added size will help Pereira at heavyweight.

Overview

  • Artem Vakhitov, who fought Alex Pereira twice in GLORY kickboxing, now rates Ciryl Gane a 70–30 favorite after joining Gane’s camp.
  • He argues Pereira’s extra bulk is not a real advantage at heavyweight and could dull his striking if it was added to ease wrestling.
  • The matchup is booked for the interim UFC heavyweight title on June 14 at the White House in Washington, D.C.
  • The winner is expected to move toward a unification fight with Tom Aspinall once the champion returns from injury.
  • Vakhitov says Gane impressed him with timing, distance control, stamina, and pure kickboxing, lending insider weight to his revised pick.