Ciryl Gane Open to Alex Pereira Fight if Tom Aspinall Rematch Doesn’t Happen
Ciryl Gane is not sure whether he will get to fight Tom Aspinall next, due to uncertainty from the Champ's side, but the Frenchman is eyeing Alex Pereira as a potential opponent, setting up a rematch.
Former interim UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane is keeping his options wide open for his next appearance inside the Octagon. While the Frenchman’s primary objective remains settling the score with Tom Aspinall, he isn't going to sit around waiting forever if the unified title picture remains stalled.
Speaking recently in an interview via RMC Sport Combat, Gane made it clear that while a return bout against the division's top dog is his priority, he’s more than willing to dance with another massive name if the timeline doesn't align.
“We don't know if there's a rematch against Tom Aspinall; we want it, but if tomorrow there's someone else it's ok,” Gane said. “I'd like a rematch, either against Tom Aspinall or Pereira.”
Flexible Options at the Top of Heavyweight
Gane’s comments reflect a pragmatic approach to a division that currently sits in a bit of uncertainty. Aspinall’s immediate return status has been surrounded by testing protocols and timeline questions, leaving contenders wondering when the heavyweight crown will truly be back up for grabs.
A rematch with Tom Aspinall makes logical sense from a competitive standpoint. Their initial meeting left plenty of unfinished business, and Gane has maintained his status right at the top of the heavyweight ladder. Holding a professional MMA record of 14 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no-contest, "Bon Gamin" remains one of the most technical strikers the division has ever seen.
Running it back with light heavyweight star Alex Pereira is another compelling path. Gane and Pereira have already crossed paths inside the Octagon at UFC Freedom 250, where Gane handed "Poatan" a second-round TKO loss. Despite Pereira holding a 13-4 record and world titles across two divisions, Gane proved his high-volume striking and movement could unravel the Brazilian power puncher. A high-profile second showdown would give Pereira a shot at redemption while keeping the French contender active.
Ultimately, Gane values activity over idling on the sidelines. Rather than waiting out Aspinall’s administrative hurdles, the French star is ready for the biggest main event available, whether that means fighting for heavyweight supremacy or running it back with Pereira.
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