Pereira Says Ciryl Gane Rematch 'Going to Happen'

Alex Pereira says a rematch with Ciryl Gane is coming, even with undisputed heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall expected back in the mix.

Pereira lost to Gane by first-round stoppage at UFC White House on June 14, with Gane capturing the interim heavyweight title in a finish that immediately drew scrutiny over a series of blows that appeared to land after the horn or on the back of the head. Referee Herb Dean let the fight continue through the sequence before ultimately waving it off, and the ending has followed Gane ever since.

Now Pereira wants the do-over. "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?" Pereira said on Instagram. "I'm seeing many opinions but I think the fight that makes sense is Ciryl Gane. 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."

Why Pereira Wants Gane Again

Pereira isn't shy about why he's targeting this specific rematch instead of angling for another name at heavyweight. He said there were illegal shots in the finish, and that with another opportunity he can come back and show what he can achieve, which is the third belt. That's the crux of his pitch: he doesn't view the first result as a clean loss, and he wants a chance to settle it before chasing anything else in the division. A win over Gane would still put Pereira in position to become a three-division UFC champion, a feat only a handful of fighters have managed, and that stakes-driven angle is likely a big reason he's pushing this matchup publicly rather than waiting for the promotion to sort out its own plans.

Where This Leaves the Heavyweight Picture

The complication is that Gane currently holds the interim title, not the undisputed one, and Tom Aspinall's status as champion still hangs over any heavyweight plans. Pereira is calling for the rematch anyway, framing it as the fight that makes sense for him regardless of how the UFC eventually threads Aspinall back into the picture. Nothing about a Gane-Pereira rematch has been made official. This is Pereira stating his preference and predicting it gets made, not a confirmed booking.

For bettors, this is one to track rather than act on yet. Once a Gane-Pereira rematch does get scheduled, expect plenty of line movement tied to the controversy itself. A fighter with a legitimate grievance about how a fight ended often draws public betting support in a rematch, and Pereira's case here, questionable blows that a veteran referee let play out, is the kind of storyline that can move square money before either camp opens a training camp. Until the promotion confirms a date and Aspinall's timeline is clearer, any number on this matchup is speculative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Alex Pereira say about a Ciryl Gane rematch?

Alex Pereira said on Instagram that he believes a rematch with Ciryl Gane is the fight that makes sense for him and that he expects it to happen, calling for a second chance after their controversial finish at UFC White House.

How did Ciryl Gane beat Alex Pereira at UFC White House?

Ciryl Gane stopped Alex Pereira in the first round at UFC White House on June 14 to win the interim UFC heavyweight title, a finish that drew controversy over blows that appeared to land illegally before referee Herb Dean called a stop.

Is Ciryl Gane the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion?

No, Ciryl Gane holds the interim UFC heavyweight title. Tom Aspinall remains the undisputed heavyweight champion as he works his way back from injury.