Pereira expects rematch with Gane to occur
Alex Pereira has expressed his desire for a rematch with Ciryl Gane following his knockout loss to the French fighter in their interim heavyweight UFC title bout last June. Pereira, at 39 years old, was defeated by Gane in his attempt to become the first three-weight champion in the UFC.
Speaking on social media, Pereira indicated that after a period of rest, he anticipates a second fight with the 36-year-old Gane. He stated, “I’m seeing many opinions but I think the fight that makes sense is Ciryl Gane.” Pereira added that he plans to work towards this goal and believes it is likely to happen.
Pereira also referenced the conclusion of their last fight, mentioning “illegal shots.” He expressed excitement for another opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities and achieve a third belt.
Potential Rematch Dynamics
The proposed rematch has generated discussion, with some fight fans expressing reservations. Josh Hokit, a rising heavyweight contender, voiced his strong opposition to another Gane versus Pereira booking on social media platform X. Hokit argued that Pereira, who remains winless as a UFC Heavyweight, should earn his way back to a title shot.
Hokit’s posts suggested that Pereira was “demolished” in their previous encounter and questioned why he would be granted another title opportunity without securing a win in the weight class. He listed several fighters, including Sergei Pavlovich, Blaydes, Kuniev, Waldo, and Volkov, whom he believes Pereira cannot defeat.
Despite these arguments, Pereira remains a significant name in the UFC. The promotion often considers high-profile pairings for rematches, especially if there is continued interest. Pereira’s star power is a factor the UFC may look to capitalize on, even after his knockout loss.
Gane is also expected to face UFC champion Tom Aspinall in an undisputed contest. However, Aspinall is currently recovering from eye injuries sustained in his own fight against Gane. While Aspinall has been cleared to resume training, his exact return date is not yet known. Should Aspinall be unable to compete for an extended period, Gane might take another fight.
Other UFC Developments
In other news, Michael ‘Venom’ Page has been removed from the UFC rankings after completing his contract at UFC Paris. Page’s decision victory over Nursulton Ruziboev was met with disapproval from fans at Accor Arena, as he landed only 12 significant strikes over three rounds.
Page had expressed hopes of securing a new deal with the UFC. However, according to journalist John Morgan, media outlets were instructed to exclude him from their ranking considerations, which suggests he may not be renewing his contract with the MMA promotion. Page holds a 5-1 record in the UFC, though his recent performances have not featured the notable knockout finishes he is known for.
Page posted on Instagram, thanking Paris for the support and stating his gratitude for the privilege of competing in the cage, adding that he anticipates bigger challenges ahead.
Pereira, a Brazilian fighter, has held UFC championships at both middleweight and light-heavyweight. He achieved this milestone in just seven fights, marking the fastest ascent to two-division champion status in UFC history.
Pereira had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Gane’s tactics during their fight, alleging that some of Gane’s powerful blows were illegal strikes to the back of his head, an accusation Gane denied. Gane is currently in his second tenure as interim heavyweight champion and has competed for the full title on two occasions.
The potential rematch between Pereira and Gane could headline a numbered UFC event, highlighting the continued interest in both fighters despite their recent outcomes.
Hokit’s argument emphasizes the need for fighters like Pereira to “earn” their way back to contention, rather than being granted immediate title shots after a significant loss. He believes that both Pereira and Ilia Topuria, who also experienced a decisive defeat, should fight their way back up the ranks.
The debate around immediate rematches often arises when a matchup has previously generated significant interest. The UFC’s approach to booking fights sometimes prioritizes market appeal over a strict merit-based system, especially for well-known fighters.
Pereira’s determination to secure a third belt and his belief that a rematch with Gane is imminent indicate his focus on reclaiming a top position in the heavyweight division.
Gane’s current status as interim heavyweight champion and his past challenges for the undisputed title position him as a key figure in the division’s future landscape.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
