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Mailbag: What to make of Alex Pereira's claims of illegal blows from Ciryl Gane, and what should have been done about it

UFC CEO Dana White stated that Alex Pereira has a legitimate gripe regarding strikes to the back of the head during his loss to Ciryl Gane. Pereira has demanded a rematch and punishment for referee Herb Dean. White has not promised a rematch.

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What changed

Dana White has publicly supported Pereira's complaints about the illegal strikes.

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  1. Dana White backs Alex Pereira's illegal strike claims

    UFC CEO Dana White stated that Alex Pereira has a legitimate gripe regarding strikes to the back of the head during his loss to Ciryl Gane. Pereira has demanded a rematch and punishment for referee Herb Dean. White has not promised a rematch.

    What's confirmed:

    • Ciryl Gane won the interim heavyweight championship by stopping Alex Pereira at UFC White House.
    • Dana White stated Alex Pereira has a legitimate gripe about back-of-the-head shots.
    • The fight took place on June 14.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Alex Pereira claims Herb Dean is not a man.
    • Pereira wants Herb Dean to be punished.
    confidence 90%

  2. Alex Pereira disputes Ciryl Gane's interim heavyweight title win

    Alex Pereira alleges that illegal strikes to the back of his head caused his second-round TKO loss to Ciryl Gane. The fight took place on June 14 for the interim heavyweight title. Referee Herb Dean maintains the finish was legal.

    What's confirmed:

    • Alex Pereira lost to Ciryl Gane via second-round TKO at UFC Freedom 250.
    • The bout for the interim heavyweight title took place on June 14.
    • Pereira claims Ciryl Gane used illegal back-of-the-head strikes to win.
    • Referee Herb Dean defended the finish.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Pereira believes illegal elbows saved a dead tired Ciryl Gane.
    • Pereira claims Gane does not have heart.
    • Pereira believes he would have won without the illegal blows.
    confidence 90%

  3. Alex Pereira Disputes Ciryl Gane Victory Over Illegal Blows

    Alex Pereira claims Ciryl Gane used illegal back-of-the-head strikes to secure a second-round TKO win at UFC Freedom 250. Referee Herb Dean defended the finish, stating the blows were fair under rules focusing on the nape of the neck. Pereira has called for the referee to be punished.

    What's confirmed:

    • Ciryl Gane defeated Alex Pereira via second-round TKO at UFC Freedom 250.
    • Alex Pereira claims Gane used illegal back-of-the-head strikes to force the finish.
    • Referee Herb Dean stated the disputed punches were a fair blow because the UFC rule focuses on the nape of the neck.
    • Pereira called referee Herb Dean a coward and demanded he be punished.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Video proof exists of repeated illegal back-of-the-head shots during the fight.
    confidence 90%