VIDEO: Direct message? Gane prepares for UFC Casa Branca with the last fighter to beat Poatan in kickboxing.

Gane during a fight at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Cyryl Gane He decided to break with convention in his preparation for the biggest challenge of his UFC career. With his sights set on the duel against... Alex Poatán For the interim heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg), the Frenchman began training alongside Artem Vakhitov, precisely the last athlete to defeat the Brazilian during his Glory days. The move, on the eve of... UFC White HouseThe match, scheduled for June 14th in Washington DC (USA), indicates a focus on adjusting its capabilities to face the Brazilian.

The video posted on social media reinforces that Vakhitov's presence at the training camp is no small detail. The Russian knows Poatan's style intimately and has already found ways to overcome it, which could offer Gane a more accurate understanding of the Brazilian's timing, distance, and openings.

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Known for his refined technique and agile movement for a heavyweight, Gane can rely on tactical intelligence to even the odds against one of the most feared strikers in MMA.

Cyryl Gane training with Artem Vakhitov ahead of his upcoming fight against Alex Pereira

Vakhitov is the last man to beat Pereira in kickboxing 👀 pic.twitter.com/x5u8B714HO

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 20, 2026

Interestingly, the fight between Alex Poatán Artem Vakhitov was the Brazilian's last fight before migrating to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The São Paulo native lost the fight via majority decision on September 4, 2021, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Immediately afterwards, on November 6th, in New York, the Brazilian made his UFC debut. UFC 268, winning Andreas Michailidis by technical knockout (flying knee and punches) in the second round.

Alex Poatan is training in Minas Gerais before UFC Casa Branca.

Alex Poatán Entering the octagon. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Alex Poatan opted for a different preparation for the duel against Ciryl Gane and chose Sobrália., in the interior of Minas Gerais, as a base for part of its camp. The decision, influenced by Glover Teixeira, seeks a more tranquil and focused environment, away from the pressure of large urban centers, without sacrificing intensity in training.

Even while immersed in training, Poatan has also been connecting with the local community, participating in events and interacting with residents. Inside the octagon, however, the challenge is historic: if he defeats Gane, the Brazilian could become the first fighter to win belts in three different weight classes in the UFC, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.