Alex Pereira staying at heavyweight after UFC White House loss, claims he got hit by ‘lucky punch’
MMA Fighting • • sports
Key Points:
- Alex Pereira confirmed he will remain in the heavyweight division after losing his interim heavyweight title bid against Ciryl Gane at the UFC White House event on June 14, rejecting a return to light heavyweight.
- Pereira criticized referee Herb Dean for allowing illegal strikes to the back of his head during the fight and stated he would refuse to fight if Dean officiates his future bouts.
- Despite the loss, Pereira reported no injuries and expressed eagerness for an immediate rematch with Gane, although the UFC has not yet committed to scheduling it.
- Ciryl Gane currently holds the interim heavyweight title and is set to face Tom Aspinall in a unification bout in Paris this September, delaying a potential rematch with Pereira.
- Pereira emphasized his focus on winning the heavyweight title and dismissed criticism about his preparation and performance, highlighting the punishment he endured during the fight.
