Russian kickboxing tormentor claims Poatan is at a clear disadvantage against Gane in the UFC: 'Completely different level'

Alex Poatan at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

A veteran of combat sports, Alex Poatan has a significant commitment ahead of him in the world's largest MMA organization. At UFC Casa Branca , an event scheduled for June 14th in Washington (USA), the Brazilian will debut in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg) and face Ciryl Gane for the interim title, potentially becoming the first champion in three different weight classes in the league's history. However, Artem Vakhitov, the renowned striker's rival in kickboxing, believes he will not succeed in achieving this feat.

In an interview with the 'Standemup' profile, the Russian, analyzing the highly anticipated fight between the athletes, stated that Poatan is at a clear disadvantage against 'Bon Gamin'. Vakhitov had previously highlighted that the Brazilian's move up from light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) to heavyweight was not done properly and even found his physical condition strange. But the athlete points out that there are more problems for his rival to deal with.

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Knowing the Brazilian fighter like few others, Vakhitov reinforced Gane's training camp for the important duel. It's worth noting that the Russian faced Poatan twice in 2021, for Glory, losing the first fight by split decision and getting revenge in the rematch via majority decision, becoming the last fighter to defeat him in kickboxing. And, after following the Frenchman's development, the athlete highlights that he is flying high.

“Before training with Gane, I was a little skeptical about his style and preparation. But when I arrived, I felt he was on a completely different level. When I saw his team, how they were preparing, how well they did everything. The most important thing is that he has everything: speed, timing, stamina, mentality, classic kickboxing, and a sense of distance,” said the fighter.

“Now, for sure, I’ve changed my mind. Gane has the advantage. I think it’s like 70-30, of course. He really can win. Now all that’s left is the mental game, to go into this fight with anger and aggression. He needs to work on the psychological and mental aspect. Then, I think everything will work out for him,” he concluded.

Vakhitov focused before fighting at Glory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/Glory

Terror of former champions

Alex Poatan , 38, rose to fame in kickboxing with Glory and made his UFC debut in 2021. From there, the Brazilian experienced a meteoric rise, becoming one of the organization's main stars.

It's no coincidence that the athlete won the middleweight and light heavyweight titles. Furthermore, the renowned striker has a record that includes former champions: Israel Adesanya , Jamahal Hill , Jan Błachowicz, Jiri Prochazka (twice), Magomed Ankalaev , and Sean Strickland.

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