Alex Pereira Targets Ciryl Gane Rematch for UFC Return

Alex Pereira has named Ciryl Gane as his preferred opponent for his UFC return, arguing that their controversial first fight deserves a rematch. “Poatan” believes another opportunity against Gane could put him back on course toward his ultimate goal: becoming the UFC’s first three-division champion.

JC Collins

September 9, 2026 · 4 min read

Alex Pereira ‘Poatan’ says a second fight with Ciryl Gane is the matchup that makes sense as he looks to rebound from his UFC Freedom 250 defeat and resume his pursuit of an unprecedented third UFC championship.

Alex Pereira has decided who he wants standing across from him when he returns to the Octagon.

After taking some time away following his knockout loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250, Pereira has publicly identified the French heavyweight as the opponent he believes should be next.

And if Pereira’s latest comments are any indication, he believes the UFC may be thinking along the same lines.

“After much time, after resting. Resting, what I needed to. After much work, after my last fight, many people are talking. Who will Alex fight?” Pereira said in a recent Instagram post.

“And I’m seeing many opinions, but I think the fight that makes sense is Ciryl Gane. That’s the fight.”

Pereira then went a step further.

“I’m going to work on that, and from what I’m seeing, it’s something that’s going to happen.”

Nothing has been officially announced by the UFC, but Pereira has made his preference clear.

He wants Gane again.

Pereira Still Disputes UFC Freedom 250 Loss

Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane UFC Freedom 250 face-off | Source: UFC.com

Pereira’s first move into the UFC heavyweight picture ended abruptly.

The former middleweight and light heavyweight champion faced Gane at UFC Freedom 250 earlier this year as he attempted to move closer to becoming the first fighter in UFC history to win championships across three weight classes.

Instead, Gane stopped Pereira by knockout.

Pereira has since disputed the circumstances surrounding the finish, arguing that Gane landed illegal strikes to the back of his head during the closing sequence.

The Brazilian was particularly critical of referee Herb Dean’s handling of the fight and has continued to maintain that the controversial ending warrants another opportunity against Gane.

For Pereira, the rematch isn’t simply about erasing a loss.

It would put his pursuit of UFC history back on track.

“The last fight, there were illegal shots,” Pereira said. “I think now, with another opportunity, I can come back and show what I can do.”

And what he believes he can do remains unprecedented.

“[Show] what I can achieve, which is the third belt.”

Heavyweight Division Creates an Opening

The timing could work in Pereira’s favor.

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall’s return remains uncertain following multiple eye surgeries. Although Aspinall has returned to training, his next title defense has yet to be announced.

That leaves the top of the heavyweight division without an obvious timetable.

For Pereira, a rematch with Gane provides a solution.

Gane already owns the victory. Pereira has the name recognition and championship pedigree. Their first meeting also left Pereira with enough objections to its conclusion to sell a second fight without much difficulty.

Most importantly, another victory for Gane could strengthen his position at the top of the division, while a Pereira win would immediately reopen the possibility of the Brazilian challenging for heavyweight gold.

It’s a high-stakes fight even without a championship attached.

The Third Belt Still Drives Pereira

Pereira has already accomplished something few fighters ever will.

He captured the UFC middleweight championship before moving to light heavyweight and winning another title. A heavyweight championship would put him alone in UFC history as its first three-division champion.

At 39, however, the window to make that attempt isn’t unlimited.

That’s what makes his insistence on immediately revisiting the Gane matchup noteworthy.

Pereira isn’t talking about taking a rebuilding fight or easing himself back into heavyweight competition.

He wants the man who just beat him.

And he wants another opportunity to continue chasing the achievement that brought him to heavyweight in the first place.

“I’m very excited for that, and I’ll work for that,” Pereira said.

Then came the familiar sign-off.

“Chama.”

For now, Pereira versus Gane II remains a target rather than an official booking.

But after taking the time he needed following his first heavyweight setback, Pereira has made one thing clear about his return.

He doesn’t want to move backward.

He wants his loss back — and another shot at making UFC history.