TLDR
- Alex Pereira lost to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 in June and faced criticism for complaining about the referee
- Pereira told critics on social media they can unfollow him and said he is blocking people who complain
- The former two-division champion wants a rematch with Gane for his next fight
- Pereira claims illegal shots affected the first fight and he deserves another chance at the heavyweight title
- Tom Aspinall’s extended recovery from eye injuries could allow Gane to fight Pereira instead of waiting for the title unification
Sources: yardbarker.com | mmafighting.com
Former two-division UFC champion Alex Pereira has responded to fan criticism following his loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 in June. The Brazilian fighter told critics they can stop following him on social media if they don’t like what he has to say.
Pereira lost his bid to become a three-division champion when Gane finished him in an interim heavyweight title fight at the White House card. After the loss, Pereira spent months complaining about referee Herb Dean and posted several videos criticizing the officiating.
Many fans and fellow fighters grew tired of hearing excuses from Pereira. The common opinion among supporters was that he should accept the loss and move forward.
Pereira Defends His Social Media Presence
Pereira addressed the backlash directly in recent statements. “The people criticizing me for things I say aren’t my real fans,” he said. “They can stop following me; I don’t care.”
Alex Pereira and Yousri Belgaroui doing the CHAMA dance in the locker room before Yousri's fight 😂 #nocheufcpic.twitter.com/13MBG5qbrN
— MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) September 12, 2026
The former champion said he has been blocking critics on social media. “When I do look, I’m deleting and blocking everyone,” Pereira explained. “I don’t change who I am. I’ve always answered people when they talk crap; I’ve always responded, and I’m not going to stop.”
Pereira made his name in kickboxing before moving to MMA. He was best known for beating Israel Adesanya in kickboxing before both men joined the UFC.
He had a dominant run to the UFC middleweight title and then moved up to light heavyweight. His knockout power and exciting fighting style made him one of the biggest stars in the modern UFC era.
Rematch With Gane in the Works
Pereira is now ready to return to action and wants a rematch with Gane. “I think the fight that makes sense is Ciryl Gane,” he said on Instagram. “That’s the fight. I’m going to work on that and from what I’m seeing, it’s something that’s going to happen.”
The Brazilian believes he deserves another chance after illegal shots affected the first fight. “How the last fight ended, there were illegal shots,” Pereira said. “I think now with another opportunity I can come back and show what I can do, what I can achieve, which is the third belt.”
The UFC has not confirmed any plans for Gane’s next fight. The original plan was for Gane to face undisputed heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in a title unification bout.
Aspinall has been out of action for 11 months after suffering accidental eye pokes from Gane. Their first fight ended in a no-contest. Aspinall has undergone multiple surgeries to repair the damage but is not ready to fight again yet.
Both UFC CEO Dana White and Aspinall’s manager Eddie Hearn have said the champion needs more time to recover. This could open the door for Gane to take another fight while waiting for Aspinall.
Pereira hinted that negotiations for the rematch are progressing. He expressed excitement about the possibility of capturing a third championship belt before the end of 2026.
