Alex Pereira Considers Retirement After TKO Loss to Ciryl Gane While Serving 180-Day Medical Suspension

Alex Pereira stated this week that he is considering walking away from fighting after a controversial TKO loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250. Yardbarker.com reported that the fighter cited fear and a sense of having completed his career as reasons for his thinking. "Honestly, I'm afraid to go back to fighting with all this going on.

I think I've already done my part," Pereira said. He accused Gane of landing illegal elbows to the back of his head during the finishing sequence and called for referee Herb Dean to face legal consequences. Dean released a public video explaining his interpretation of the rules and why he did not consider the strikes illegal.

Pereira's legal team is examining whether the outcome can be overturned or changed to a no-contest. Pereira holds a professional MMA record of 13-4 and is a two-time UFC world champion. He is subject to a 180-day medical suspension following the fight, which removes immediate pressure to decide on his next steps.

Yardbarker.com reported the article was last updated June 23, 2026.