The biggest question in MMA right now is when we will see the UFC heavyweight title fought for, and Alex Pereira, one of the sport’s absolute biggest stars, just threw a wrench into *everything*. Fresh off UFC Paris, and with UFC 332 just announced, Pereira is already stirring the pot, calling for a rematch against Ciryl Gane. Here’s the kicker, though: he lost to Gane in his heavyweight debut just three months ago at UFC White House.
The Callout That No One Saw Coming
Pereira, despite being 0-1 at heavyweight, made his intentions loud and clear in a social media video posted Monday. He announced he is ready to get back into the octagon, and his callout? Ciryl Gane. We’re talking about the same Gane who knocked him out back on June 14, 2026. Pereira’s quote on why he wants Gane next is wild: “Many people are talking with ‘who will Alex fight?’ and I’m seeing many opinions. But I think the fight that makes sense is Ciryl Gane. That’s the fight. I’m gonna work on that, and from what I’m seeing, it’s something that’s gonna happen.” Oh, and he was wearing a Statue of Liberty shirt in the video. You know that was no coincidence. Pereira understands social media, but this move feels like a serious misstep to fight fans everywhere.
Why This Rematch Is a Non-Starter
Let’s be real, that first fight at UFC Freedom 250 was largely uncompetitive. Pereira tried to complain about back-of-the-head punches from Gane, but those did not swing the fight. Gane clearly won the first round. The second round only got worse for Pereira, ending with Gane landing a stiff jab that led to the finish. As fans, we just watched that. We know what happened. If Gane is not fighting Tom Aspinall for the undisputed heavyweight championship, then there is a serious problem. Aspinall vs Gane 2 is built off controversy, making it a far more interesting rematch and the one that actually makes sense for the division’s top spot.
Josh Hokit Has The Right Idea For Pereira’s Next Fight
So, if not Gane, who should Pereira fight? The answer is clear: Josh Hokit. Hokit has been calling out Pereira throughout 2026, and Pereira has acknowledged him as a contender, even if he has largely paid him no mind. Hokit chimed in on Pereira’s Gane callout, and he did not hold back. “As a fan, that fight makes no f,g sense. I watched you get demolished. How about you get one f,g win in this weight class before you are gifted another title shot.” Hokit is spot on. Pereira has no merit for another Gane fight right now. The heavyweight title fight is rumored to be taking place in New York City at UFC 334. If Pereira is going to make his second walk as a heavyweight in a No.1 contender bout, it needs to be against someone who moves him forward, not backward.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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