Alex Pereira isn’t just putting the controversial ending of UFC Freedom 250 behind him; he’s charging headfirst back into it. Just three months ago, Pereira’s bid for a third UFC championship in a new weight class came to a brutal halt when Ciryl Gane delivered a second-round knockout in what was a historic co-main event at the White House. But now, “Poatan” wants another shot at the Frenchman, controversy and all.
That Brutal Knockout and the Fallout
Gane’s performance was a statement, making him only the second fighter in UFC history to win two interim titles in the same division. While it put him in line for a rematch with undisputed champ Tom Aspinall, the real talk was about the 11 finishing shots Gane landed on Pereira, with seven appearing to connect to the back of the head. Pereira has repeatedly called out referee Herb Dean, even demanding Dean’s removal from his future fights. Nothing has changed on that front, but Pereira seems ready to move past the controversy and set the record straight.
“I Think The Fight That Makes Sense Is Ciryl Gane”
Pereira took to Instagram, making his intentions crystal clear: he wants Gane. He said, “After much time, after resting what I needed to do, after much work, after my last fight, many people are talking with who will Alex fight? I’m seeing many opinions, but I think the fight that makes sense is Ciryl Gane.” Poatan wasn’t done, adding, “That’s the fight. I’m going to work on that and from what I’m seeing, it’s something that’s going to happen. How the last fight [ended], there were illegal shots. I think now, with another opportunity, I can come back and show what I can do, what I can achieve, which is the third belt. I’m very excited for that, and I’ll work for that. Chama!” He had aimed for a November return at UFC 334 on November 14 in Madison Square Garden, originally planning to fight the Gane/Aspinall winner. But with that fire, he clearly has Gane specifically in his sights.
The Aspinall Roadblock and What’s Next
Gane isn’t ruling out a rematch. He stated he should face Aspinall if the champion is ready, but Pereira is definitely on the table. The biggest hurdle? Tom Aspinall’s health. He’s been sidelined for nearly 11 months after accidental eye pokes from Gane ended their first meeting at UFC 321 in a no-contest. Aspinall’s still recovering. If Aspinall isn’t ready soon, Gane could take another fight, opening the door for Pereira’s desired rematch before 2026 ends. With Pereira chasing a historic third UFC title, this potential second meeting between these heavyweights would be even bigger, full of intrigue, and could easily become one of the biggest heavyweight clashes of the year. Let’s hope the UFC makes it happen!
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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