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

Live updates

1. 15d ago

   UFC Figures Weigh In on Pereira's Illegal Blow Claims Against Gane

   Former champions and officials have offered conflicting views on the illegal strikes Alex Pereira received during his loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250. Alexander Volkanovski and Big John McCarthy both state that Gane landed illegal shots. Other figures like Jon Jones attribute the loss to Pereira's own mistakes.

   What's confirmed:

   • Alexander Volkanovski believes Alex Pereira absorbed illegal shots in his loss against Ciryl Gane.
   • Big John McCarthy stated that Ciryl Gane landed some illegal shots on Alex Pereira.
   • Jon Jones claims Alex Pereira made a critical mistake during his fight with Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Jon Jones claims Alex Pereira hesitated during the fight with Ciryl Gane.
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. MMA Fighting | MMA & UFC news & community
   2. MMA Latest Updates - Yahoo Sports
   3. Alex Pereira trolls fan with ‘protect the money’ response to UFC Freedom 250 criticism
   4. Alexander Volkanovski supports Alex Pereira's campaign against illegal ...
   5. Joe Rogan ends UFC debate that has raged since White House event
   6. Alexander Volkanovski Comes to the Defense of Alex Pereira
   7. Alexander Volkanovski Defends Alex Pereira After Gane Fight
   8. Volkanovski Defends Alex Pereira… And Reignites One of the UFC's ...
   9. Josh Hokit lobbies for Herb Dean to ref potential fight vs. Ciryl Gane
   10. Big John McCarthy Says Ciryl Gane Landed 'A Couple' Illegal Shots On ...
   11. John McCarthy Explains Why Pereira's Claims Don't Hold Up
   12. Multiple Former UFC Champions Speak Out Against Herb Dean after Alex Pereira White House Incident “Nobody’s Defending Us.”
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2. 49d ago

   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.
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. Legendary UFC referee finally settles if Alex Pereira's ... - SPORTbible
   2. Ciryl Gane Fight Sparks Debate as Dana White Stands Up for Alex Pereira
   3. Ciryl Gane vs. Alex Pereira Illegal Strike Controversy: What Counts as ...
   4. Dana White Clears Stance on Alex Pereira, Herb Dean Illegal Strikes ...
   5. Referee Expert on Whether Ciryl Gane's KO Over Alex Pereira Was 'Illegal'
   6. Dana White backs Alex Pereira's illegal strikes complaint
   7. Alex Pereira Explodes on Herb Dean After UFC Loss: 'He Is Not a Man'
   8. White on Pereira vs. Gane controversy: 'Alex Pereira is not a whiner ...
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3. 52d ago

   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.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. Mailbag: What to make of Alex Pereira's claims of illegal blows from ...
   2. Alex Pereira Claims Ciryl Gane's Win Was Overturned by Illegal Shots ...
   3. Alex Pereira GOES OFF on Ciryl Gane's Illegal Back of Head Shots ...
   4. Alex Pereira blasts Ciryl Gane for 'illegal shots' during White House ...
   5. Alex Pereira argues illegal blows saved 'dead tired' Ciryl Gane: 'He ...
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4. 53d ago

   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.
   Sources used for this update (21)

   1. UFC heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall accepts Ciryl Gane's challenge: 'I'll be there'
   2. Alex Pereira demands punishment for 'coward' referee in Ciryl Gane fight: 'He is not a man'
   3. Herb Dean responds to UFC White House criticism, explains why he didn’t intervene during Ciryl Gane vs. Alex Pereira
   4. 'Illegal punches' Alex Pereira slams Ciryl Gane, UFC ref after loss
   5. Herb Dean Says Ciryl Gane’s Disputed Punches Were ‘Fair Blow’ Because UFC Rule Focuses On ‘Nape Of The Neck’ After Alex Pereira Claimed ‘Illegal Shots’
   6. Mailbag: What to make of Alex Pereira's claims of illegal blows from Ciryl Gane, and what should have been done about it
   7. Herb Dean surprisingly receives sympathy over Alex Pereira stoppage from one of his biggest critics
   8. John McCarthy weighs in on Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane controversy
   9. Jon Jones Responds to Alex Pereira GOAT Talk After UFC Freedom 250 With a Direct Message for All Challengers
   10. Jon Jones sends message to anyone trying to dethrone him as the GOAT of MMA
   11. Michael Bisping scolds Pereira for 'crying' about Gane loss: 'Not a good look'
   12. Alex Pereira specifically spoke to UFC referee about illegal fouls ...
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