TLDR
- Daniel Cormier praised Ciryl Gane as ‘the real deal’ after his second-round TKO victory over Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250
- Cormier questioned why people keep bypassing Gane when discussing the best heavyweights in the world
- Gane captured the interim heavyweight title and ended Pereira’s bid to become a three-division UFC champion
- Cormier highlighted Gane’s tactical approach of mixing wrestling with striking to keep Pereira off balance
- Gane called out Tom Aspinall for a September fight in Paris following his victory
Sources: Gidstats | Gidstats | MMA Junkie
Daniel Cormier delivered a strong endorsement of Ciryl Gane following the French fighter’s second-round TKO victory over Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250. The former two-division UFC champion made it clear he believes Gane deserves more respect in heavyweight conversations.
Gane stopped Pereira in the co-main event on Sunday at the White House in Washington DC. The victory earned him the interim heavyweight title and ended Pereira’s attempt to become a three-division UFC champion.
Cormier Questions Why Fans Overlook Gane
Cormier opened his post-fight analysis by praising Pereira’s courage. “Alex Pereira dared to be great. He dared to dream. Unfortunately it didn’t go his way,” Cormier said.
He then turned his attention to the winner with a passionate defense of Gane’s credentials. “Ciryl Gane is the real deal. I don’t understand why, for so long, we have all tried to bypass Ciryl Gane as one of the best heavyweights, if not the best heavyweight in the world,” Cormier stated.
Daniel Cormier declares Ciryl Gane 'real deal' after UFC Freedom 250 https://t.co/EtICmvsBso
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 18, 2026
The UFC commentator emphasized that Gane has repeatedly proven himself at the highest level. “He has told you time and time again he belongs. He’s told us time and time again, ‘I’ve earned my opportunity, that I’ve earned my chances to get these title fights. Nothing’s given, nobody gave me anything,'” Cormier explained.
Cormier credited Gane with finishing Pereira in a standup fight, which many considered Pereira’s strength. “He showed once again why he is so highly regarded in this division, finishing Alex Pereira in a standup fight,” he said.
Tactical Approach Keys Victory
Cormier broke down the tactical elements that led to Gane’s success in the bout. He pointed to Gane’s use of his complete skill set as the key to victory.
“What Ciryl Gane did beautifully, though, was he showed him takedowns, he showed him wrestling, and by doing that, he was able to get Pereira thinking about all of his skills,” Cormier explained. The threat of wrestling allowed Gane to open up his striking game and eventually secure the stoppage.
The win marks another statement performance for Gane in his quest to prove himself as an elite heavyweight. His combination of size, speed, and improved grappling continues to make him one of the most complete fighters in the division.
Immediately after his victory, Gane wasted no time calling out his next opponent. He challenged Tom Aspinall to a fight in September in Paris, and Aspinall has indicated he is open to the matchup.
The two fighters have history from their previous encounter at UFC 321 in October. That bout ended in a no contest after an accidental eye poke by Gane left Aspinall requiring double eye surgery.
