Alex Periera is losing His Mind

UFC Freedom 250: Pereira vs. Gane

At UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026, Alex Pereira moved up to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title—and a chance to become the UFC’s first champion in three divisions.

The available fight footage shows both men finding range, with Pereira landing an inside low kick. The bout ended in the second round, when Gane knocked Pereira down and followed up with strikes for a TKO victory.

Controversy Over the Stoppage

Pereira argued that some of Gane’s blows landed to the back of his head and that referee Herb Dean should have intervened. He later said Gane had tired himself out and that he believed he could continue.

Those are Pereira’s views; the official result remains Gane’s second-round TKO. Dean has explained the rules around strikes near the back of the head, while Pereira has continued to criticize how the finish was handled. Pereira has also said he would prefer Dean not to referee his future bouts, though referee assignments are made by athletic commissions.

Pereira’s Next Opponent

Pereira was also unhappy with the UFC’s choice of his next opponent. He said a rematch with Gane or a bout with Josh Barnett had been discussed, but the promotion instead booked him to face Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas.

Pereira described Pavlovich as the more dangerous matchup. The video notes Pavlovich’s three-fight winning streak, including a quick knockout of Taila Santos Silva.

What’s at Stake

Pereira has said that another loss would likely send him back to light heavyweight, where he previously became a champion. A win over Pavlovich would strengthen his case to keep pursuing heavyweight success; the bout’s outcome will determine whether that ambition continues.

Presenters and Sources

• Fight News (video presenter)
• Connect Cast
• Ariel Helwani interview
• Herb Dean’s explanation of the striking rules