UFC Freedom 250 Results: Ciryl Gane spoils Alex Pereira's dream of capturing third title at the White House
(Courtesy : UFC)
Ciryl Gane shocks Alex Pereira in heavyweight super fight.
Alex Pereira’s dream of making UFC history came crashing down as Ciryl Gane scored a stunning second-round stoppage victory in the interim heavyweight title fight at UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C.
Pereira entered the bout attempting to accomplish something no fighter in UFC history had achieved: winning titles across three different weight divisions. The former middleweight and light heavyweight champion moved up to heavyweight, hoping to add another legendary chapter to his remarkable combat sports career.
Standing in his way was Ciryl Gane, one of the division’s most technical heavyweights. The French contender aimed to spoil Pereira’s historic moment while moving closer to a rematch against undisputed heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.
Round 1
The opening round featured a tense and technical striking battle between two elite kickboxers. Pereira started aggressively with low kicks and multiple head kick attempts, though Gane defended most of them effectively.
“Chama” chants echoed throughout the arena as Pereira targeted Gane’s lead leg repeatedly. However, Gane slowly began taking control of the tempo with patient movement and calculated counters.
The French heavyweight mixed in inside leg kicks, body kicks, and a steadily improving jab. Pereira struggled to fully establish his striking rhythm as Gane’s feints and movement forced him into a more cautious approach.
Midway through the round, Gane started landing the cleaner shots. A looping left hand, sharp jabs, and a partially landed head kick visibly boosted his confidence as he circled away from Pereira’s power side.
Gane also repeatedly feinted takedowns, drawing reactions from Pereira and disrupting his timing. While Pereira landed another low kick and a clean punch before the bell, Gane appeared to edge the round through volume and more significant strikes.
Round 2
Gane carried his momentum into the second round by immediately attacking Pereira’s legs again. Pereira looked hesitant and struggled to increase his output as Gane continued mixing striking with level-change threats.
After a failed takedown attempt from Gane, the fight suddenly exploded into chaos. Moments later, Gane cracked Pereira with a powerful shot that sent the Brazilian crashing to the canvas.
Gane instantly swarmed with ground-and-pound as Pereira desperately tried to recover. The former champion attempted a takedown while badly hurt, but Gane easily defended it before unloading another barrage of heavy punches.
Pereira briefly got back to his feet, but he remained visibly wobbly. Sensing the finish, Gane pressed forward with massive shots until the referee stepped in to stop the fight.
Official result
Ciryl Gane defeated Alex Pereira via second-round TKO to capture the interim UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC Freedom 250. The victory derailed Pereira’s pursuit of a historic third UFC title and positioned Gane for a potential rematch against Tom Aspinall.
Result: Ciryl Gane defeats Alex Pereira via TKO (punches) at 1:22 of R2
Who won in the co-main event between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane?
Ciryl Gane defeated Alex Pereira by TKO (strikes) at 1:27 of Round 2 in the co-main event to become the new Interim Light Heavyweight Champion.
Who will headline the White House card?
A unification bout between Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria and interim titleholder Justin Gaethje will headline the event. It is a rare collision of two genuine finishers, with Topuria making the first defense of his lightweight belt after knocking out Charles Oliveira last June.
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