And new: Gane takes interim gold at UFC Freedom 250

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Ciryl Gane stopped Alex Pereira in the second round to win the interim UFC heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250, denying the Brazilian a historic third divisional championship.

Held on the South Lawn of the White House, the event saw Gane deliver a composed and disciplined performance before securing the finish midway through the second round.

Pereira entered the bout attempting to make UFC history in his heavyweight debut. The former middleweight and light-heavyweight champion had already become one of the sport’s most accomplished multi-division fighters, with additional world titles in kickboxing across two weight classes.

But Gane controlled key phases of the contest and capitalised when the opening appeared, earning the stoppage victory and reclaiming interim heavyweight gold. The win marks Gane’s second reign as interim champion. The 36-year-old has now competed in five UFC heavyweight title bouts across his last eight appearances, moving to 2-2 with one no-contest in championship fights.

Gane first won interim heavyweight gold in 2021 against Derrick Lewis before losing a unification bout to Francis Ngannou. He later challenged Jon Jones for the undisputed title.

Pereira moved up in weight following an 80-second knockout win over Magomed Ankalaev in October and weighed in at a career-high 251 pounds, compared to Gane’s 248.

Attention now turns to a potential clash with reigning heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. The two were previously scheduled to meet in October, but the bout ended in a no-contest after Gane accidentally poked Aspinall in both eyes. Aspinall has not competed since, following multiple eye surgeries.

After the win, Gane called for a rematch, targeting a return at UFC’s expected September event in Paris.

For Pereira, the defeat ends his bid for a unique place in UFC history. For Gane, it brings him back into contention for undisputed heavyweight gold.