Hokit Rips Pereira's Ciryl Gane Rematch Call
Alex Pereira wants an immediate Ciryl Gane rematch, but Josh Hokit says he hasn't earned it. Here's the fallout and what it means for the odds.
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Alex Pereira is pushing for an immediate rematch with Ciryl Gane, and Josh Hokit thinks that is a terrible idea for the UFC heavyweight division.
Pereira's heavyweight debut ended in a stoppage loss to interim champion Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 back in June, a fight that closed with a series of late strikes Pereira has since called illegal. Asked recently about his next move, Pereira made clear he is not interested in a tune-up fight first. "I think the fight that makes sense is Ciryl Gane. That's the fight," Pereira said, adding "from what I'm seeing, it's something that's going to happen." He also revisited how the first fight ended, saying there were illegal shots and that a second chance would let him show he can still win a third UFC title in a third weight class.
Hokit was not having it. Reacting to Pereira's rematch push, Hokit fired back on social media, calling the idea a fight that makes no sense for a fan to want to see again. "I watched you get demolished. How about a more favorable matchup like Sergei, who is basically a striker and way less athletic than Ciryl? How about you get one f, win in this weight class before you are gifted another title shot?" Hokit wrote, arguing the promotion owes American fans a heavyweight champion rather than a rerun.
Why Hokit Is Pushing Back on an Immediate Gane Rematch
Hokit's argument is simple: Pereira has zero wins at heavyweight and is already asking for a title shot. From a matchmaking standpoint, it is a fair gripe. Pereira came into the Gane fight with two-division champion pedigree at light heavyweight and middleweight, but his only heavyweight outing ended in a stoppage loss with a controversial finish. Hokit's suggested alternative points to a fighter he calls Sergei, describing him as more of a pure striker and less athletic than Gane, framing it as a safer proving ground before another title opportunity.
The bigger complication is timing. Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane are rumored to headline the UFC's return to Madison Square Garden in November, pending Aspinall's medical clearance. Pereira has said he does not intend to wait for that fight to play out before pursuing his own return, which sets up a potential logjam at the top of the heavyweight division depending on how the UFC wants to book its next several cards.
Betting Angle
Books have not opened a line on a Pereira-Gane rematch since nothing is officially booked, and the first meeting already closed with Gane finishing the fight inside the distance. Until the UFC settles what happens with Aspinall and the interim title, any Pereira rematch talk is a market that does not exist yet. Bettors should watch whether the UFC prioritizes Aspinall-Gane for undisputed gold in November before assuming Pereira gets an immediate crack at heavyweight gold.
As of this writing, Pereira has not publicly responded to Hokit's comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Alex Pereira lose to Ciryl Gane?
Yes, Alex Pereira lost to Ciryl Gane by stoppage at UFC Freedom 250 in June in his heavyweight debut, a finish that came after late strikes Pereira has since called illegal.
What did Josh Hokit say about Alex Pereira's Ciryl Gane rematch callout?
Josh Hokit blasted the idea, saying Pereira should get a win at heavyweight before receiving another title opportunity and pointing to a fighter he called Sergei as a more sensible matchup.
Is Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane officially booked?
No, Alex Pereira has said he wants an immediate rematch with Ciryl Gane and believes it will happen, but the UFC has not officially announced the fight.
