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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Ciryl Gane decided to break with convention in his preparation for the biggest challenge of his UFC career. With his sights set on the fight against Alex Poatan for the interim heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg), the Frenchman began training alongside Artem Vakhitov, the last fighter to defeat the Brazilian during his Glory days. This move, on the eve of UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June 14th in Washington DC (USA), indicates a focus on fine-tuning his abilities 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.

Ciryl 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 Poatan and Artem Vakhitov was the Brazilian's last before migrating to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The São Paulo native lost the bout via majority decision on September 4, 2021, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Immediately afterwards, on November 6th, in New York, the Brazilian debuted at UFC 268 , defeating 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 Poatan 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 the base for part of his training camp. The decision, influenced by Glover Teixeira , seeks a more tranquil and focused environment, away from the pressure of the big centers, without sacrificing the intensity of the 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.

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