Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via MMAFighting.com
MMATop Stories

Ciryl Gane Achieves Stunning TKO Of Alex Pereira At UFC Freedom 250

By FIGHT SPORTS

In the co-main event of UFC Freedom 250, live from the South Lawn of the White House, Ciryl Gane shocked the crowd with a pure stand-up striking finish of Alex Pereira to earn the interim heavyweight title.

Through the first round, Gane flashed a couple of takedown attempts, but seemed to have a plan to stick to the striking, at least for the feeling-out process. But despite the threat of the takedown, Pereira continued to stalk his opponent while moving forward. While ‘Poatan’ was absorbing multiple shots from Gane, he continued with his aggressive approach as he waiting for the right opportunity, which came right at the end of the round when he connected with a swift shot, but wasn’t able to follow up before the horn.

It has seemed that Pereira started to find his timing in the end of the first, and that his momentum could carry into the second, but quite the opposite happened when he met a stiff jab from Gane that sent the former light heavyweight champion to the canvas early in the round.

Pereira was able to wrestle to his feet while eating shot after shot from his opponent, but Gane continued to apply serious pressure in the form of pinpoint accurate punches. Finally, a final left hook sent Pereira falling into the octagon side, and referee Herb Dean had no choice but to intervene.

Following his stoppage win over arguably one of the best strikers to compete in the UFC, and being crowned the interim heavyweight champion for a second time, Gane took his opportunity on the mic to call out champion Tom Aspinall for a rematch in France.

Gane and Aspinall met back in October 2025, with the bout ending in a no contest because of multiple unintentional eye pokes from the new interim titleholder. While Aspinall currently holds the division’s belt, he is still recovering from the injuries he suffered in the fight with Gane, and his comeback timeline is unknown.

You might also like
Boxing

Fury Trying To Close Joshua Fight By Calling For Trilogy Bout Instead

MMA

UFC Considering Justin Gaethje Vs. Ilia Topuria Rematch

MMA

UFC 332 Main Event & Full Card Announced

MMA

Salahdine Parnasse Stops Dan Hooker In UFC Debut

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More