TLDR
- Alex Pereira posted “Tomorrow” on social media, hinting at an upcoming fight announcement
- Pereira mocked Ciryl Gane’s promotion to undisputed heavyweight champion on Instagram
- UFC denied Pereira’s request for an immediate rematch with Gane, who will fight Josh Hokit instead
- Pereira’s sister Aline will fight Smilla Sundell for a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series October 13
- Aline holds a 3-2 MMA record and was previously a successful kickboxer like her brother
Sources: yardbarker.com | mmafighting.com | bbc.com
Alex Pereira has signaled that a fight announcement is coming soon while continuing to dismiss Ciryl Gane’s status as UFC heavyweight champion. The former two-weight champion posted “Tomorrow” on social media, hinting at news about his return to the Octagon.
Gane was promoted from interim to undisputed heavyweight champion on Monday after Tom Aspinall vacated the title due to injury. Aspinall suffered injuries to both eyes when he fought Gane at UFC 321 in October, when an accidental eye-poke led to a no-contest ruling.
On Wednesday, Pereira shared a graphic on Instagram that downplayed Gane’s achievements. The post referenced Gane’s previous title fight losses to Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones, along with a controversial win over Alexander Volkov.
Pereira added the caption “Champion” followed by three laughing emojis. The Brazilian fighter has repeatedly claimed his loss to Gane at UFC White House was influenced by illegal shots to the back of the head.
Alex Pereira bought a new Lamborghini Aventador SVJ 🤑
"I was never the type to get hype over a car. But I started getting the itch to buy this with the conditions I have today."
(via @AlexPereiraUFC) pic.twitter.com/gsEPhr0o2h
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 26, 2026
Pereira’s Push for Rematch Rejected
Pereira’s request for an immediate rematch with Gane was denied by the UFC. Instead, Gane will defend the undisputed heavyweight title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334.
The decision has left Pereira searching for alternative opponents. Names like Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov have emerged as logical next opponents given their rankings.
Some observers have questioned Hokit’s title shot, suggesting other contenders have stronger cases. Pereira remains focused on eventually capturing heavyweight gold despite the setback.
The former kickboxing champion previously held UFC titles in two different weight classes. His move to heavyweight represented an attempt to become the promotion’s first three-weight champion.
Sister Aline Chases UFC Contract
While Alex prepares for his next fight, his sister Aline Pereira is pursuing her own UFC opportunity. The 35-year-old will compete on Dana White’s Contender Series on October 13 in Las Vegas.
Aline will face undefeated prospect Smilla Sundell in a bantamweight bout. The Contender Series offers fighters outside the UFC a chance to win contracts through one-off contests.
Aline currently holds a 3-2 record in MMA, with all three victories coming by decision. Her most recent win was a split decision against Jade Masson-Wong in May.
Like her brother, Aline enjoyed a successful kickboxing career before transitioning to MMA. She competed for Glory promotions and won the Karate Combat League’s inaugural women’s flyweight title in 2024.
Aline stepped away from MMA in 2023 after starting 1-2 with Legacy Fighting Alliance. She returned to the sport in late 2025 and is often trained and cornered by Alex.
Sundell presents a difficult challenge for Aline’s UFC ambitions. The 21-year-old from Sweden has two wins in her MMA career and became ONE Championship’s youngest ever champion at 17 years old.
If both Pereiras succeed, they could become a rare brother-sister duo competing in the UFC simultaneously. Melissa Martinez and David Martinez became the first such pair in 2024.
The UFC has not yet commented on potential opponents for Alex Pereira beyond confirming Gane will face Hokit. Pereira’s social media post suggests an announcement about his next fight is imminent.
