Alex Pereira Targets Ciryl Gane Rematch After UFC White House Defeat

Alex Pereira has identified a rematch with Ciryl Gane as his preferred next UFC fight after losing their interim heavyweight title contest in June. BBC Sport reported on Tuesday that Pereira expects to pursue another meeting with the Frenchman, although the promotion has not announced or confirmed such a bout.

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Gane stopped Pereira in the second round at UFC White House, ending the Brazilian’s attempt to become the first fighter to win championships in three UFC weight divisions. Pereira, 39, has previously held the middleweight and light-heavyweight belts, reaching two-division champion status within his first seven appearances in the promotion.

In comments posted on social media and reported by the BBC, Pereira said he believes the Gane fight makes the most sense following a period of rest. He also maintained that strikes to the back of his head affected the first contest and said he wants another opportunity to demonstrate that he can claim a third UFC title. Gane has denied that his tactics included illegal blows.

The heavyweight title picture remains unsettled. Gane, 36, is in his second spell as interim champion, while undisputed champion Tom Aspinall continues to recover from eye injuries sustained in his own fight with Gane nearly a year ago. According to the BBC, Aspinall has been cleared to resume training, but no date has been set for his return.

An undisputed championship fight between Aspinall and Gane would ordinarily be the division’s next priority. However, if Aspinall is unable to compete again during 2026, Gane could take another fight while the champion remains sidelined. That possibility creates an opening for Pereira’s proposed rematch, but its timing and title status are still uncertain.

Gane has twice fallen short in bouts for the undisputed heavyweight championship. Pereira’s established record across two lighter divisions gives a second matchup clear stakes, yet his public callout is only the start of the process. Until the UFC makes an announcement, Gane’s next opponent and Pereira’s route back to a title fight remain unresolved.