Fighter Assessments
Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos evaluated the striking patterns of the two fighters, drawing from his cage experience against Gane at UFC 256.
“I think [Pereira's] style will complicate [Gane],” dos Santos said.
Dos Santos indicated that Pereira's forward pressure and precise angles would force a decisive exchange.
“Alex goes on the offensive mode all the time and always cutting angles, circling and gradually breaking down his opponents.
Gane moves well backwards, but once 'Poatan' cuts angles very well, they must collide, and when it happens, 'Poatan' has the advantage of having one-punch knockout power.
There couldn't have been a better debut fight in heavyweight for 'Poatan.'
I believe he will win and make history by being the first athlete to be champion in three different divisions,” dos Santos said.
Former heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum offered an alternative tactical blueprint, suggesting Pereira should exploit grappling vulnerabilities exposed in Gane's previous losses.
“They are both great strikers, if 'Poatan' decides to exchange punches it can be a chess match with Ciryl having more chances to surprise,” Werdum said.
Werdum concluded that using submission skills on the mat would offer a simpler path to victory.
“I saw 'Poatan' training on the ground with Glover [Teixeira] and he clearly evolved his ground skills, so in my opinion he should expose Ciryl like Ngannou and Jones did.
If 'Poatan' believes in his jiu-jitsu skills, he will be able to submit Gane.
Besides not having a good ground game, Gane has a small heart, I realized that in his fight with Jon Jones.
He accepted the defeat, stood still and didn't even attempt a defense when the guillotine choke wasn't even locked in.
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'Poatan' can win standing up, but if he takes Gane to the ground, he will make it easier,” Werdum said.
