Ciryl Gane Prepares for Potential Rematch with Alex Pereira

Ciryl Gane is not waiting around.

The UFC interim heavyweight champion has made it clear: if Tom Aspinall’s injured eye keeps the undisputed king on the sidelines, he is ready to run it back with Alex Pereira.

A Controversial Night, An Open Door

Gane’s knockout of Pereira at UFC Freedom 250 delivered him the interim heavyweight belt and a guaranteed shot at Aspinall. It also sparked an immediate debate. Several of the blows that rocked Pereira landed to the back of the Brazilian’s head, yet referee Herb Dean allowed the action to continue and did not issue a warning or deduct a point.

Gane walked out with gold. Pereira walked out with questions.

That finish has not faded quietly. It lingers over the division, over Gane’s reign, and over any talk of unfinished business between the two.

Aspinall on Ice, Gane Stays Flexible

The plan, on paper, is simple: Gane vs. Aspinall in a heavyweight title unification bout. In reality, Aspinall’s eye injury has turned the division into a waiting room.

Speaking to RMC Sport, Gane underlined that Aspinall remains the primary target, with his team already in dialogue with the UFC.

“We’re not sure (who the next opponent will be). We don’t know if there is a rematch against Tom Aspinall. We want it. The UFC talks about it with Fernand Lopez, so we focus on Tom Aspinall,” Gane said. “If tomorrow it will be someone else, it’s okay. What I would like is either Tom Aspinall or a rematch against Alex Pereira.”

That is the equation: Aspinall first choice, Pereira the alternative. No drama, no posturing. Just options.

UFC at a Crossroads

The promotion now has a decision to make. Fans want Aspinall vs. Gane 2, a rematch loaded with intrigue and a clean resolution to the heavyweight hierarchy. But if medical clearance drags on, the UFC cannot afford to let its biggest men sit idle.

The pressure to move the division forward grows with every week Aspinall remains out. At some point, the belt needs a dance partner.

That is where Pereira re-enters the frame.

The former opponent Gane stopped under a cloud of controversy is also without a booked fight. Pereira has been loosely linked to a possible matchup with rival Josh Hokit, but nothing is signed, nothing is official, and nothing is standing in the way of a second clash with Gane if the UFC decides to pull that lever.

The narrative writes itself: a dangerous striker seeking redemption after a disputed stoppage, against a champion eager to prove his victory was no accident.

Heavyweight Questions, Heavyweight Stakes

If Aspinall’s eye keeps him out for much longer, the promotion’s hand may be forced. Gane has made his stance public. Pereira is available. The first fight ended with controversy and a knockout.

For a division that hates a standstill, a Gane–Pereira rematch would not just fill a gap. It would set the tone for how ruthlessly the UFC intends to keep heavyweight moving while its champion heals.