Francis Ngannou believes Ciryl Gane presents a significant stylistic challenge for Alex Pereira.
Pereira is set to make his heavyweight debut against Gane for the interim title in the co-main event of UFC Freedom 250, scheduled for June 14th at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Pereira has experienced a rapid ascent in combat sports, building an impressive resume within just 12 UFC appearances. In slightly over two years, he made history by becoming the promotion’s ninth two-division champion, holding both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles.
Now, the 38-year-old Brazilian is on the verge of achieving even greater historical significance. A victory over Gane would make him the first fighter to ever secure UFC titles in three different weight classes. Given his formidable striking power, many observers believe this milestone is well within his reach.
However, Francis Ngannou holds a different view. The former UFC heavyweight champion, who has previously defeated Ciryl Gane, predicts that Alex Pereira might face difficulties in securing a win at the White House event.
Francis Ngannou Discusses Gane’s Potential Advantage Over Pereira
In a recent interview with Helen Yee, ahead of his own return to MMA against Philipe Lins on May 16th, Francis Ngannou offered his insights on the anticipated matchup between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.
While acknowledging Pereira’s capabilities, Ngannou suggested that Gane’s style could pose a significant problem for the former two-division champion, particularly with his move up to a heavier weight class.
“I think Ciryl has more tools, and then Alex Pereira has his own style. Ciryl Gane has his own style,” Ngannou stated. “For me, and I might be wrong, but it’s not a good matchup for Alex Pereira in terms of style, basically if he’s moving up to the division and has to face a heavyweight who is even lighter on his feet.”
Pereira’s last outing was at UFC 320 in October, where he achieved a first-round knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev to regain the light heavyweight title. He holds a 10-2 record in the UFC, with notable wins against Jiri Prochazka, Israel Adesanya, and Khalil Rountree Jr.
Ciryl Gane, on the other hand, is coming off a no-contest after an accidental eye poke to heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall during their title fight at UFC 321 in October, which prevented Aspinall from continuing. Gane has a record of 10-2 with one no-contest in the UFC, including victories over Derrick Lewis, Sergey Spivak, and Tai Tuivasa.
