Ciryl Gane Stops Alex Pereira in 97 Seconds at UFC Freedom 250

Ciryl Gane defeated Alex Pereira by technical knockout 97 seconds into the second round at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026. C. Gane landed 31 of 41 significant strikes in the second round, scored the only knockdown of the fight, and forced referee Herb Dean to stop the contest after Pereira landed just one punch in the round.

With the victory, Gane became a two-time interim UFC heavyweight champion. He is now 3-0-0-1 since losing a title fight to Jon Jones by first-round submission in March 2023. Pereira entered the bout as a former middleweight and light heavyweight champion and was seeking a third divisional title.

Aspinall responded in an Instagram video, stating, “Paris in September, eh? I’ll do that. You’re up for it? I’ll do that. Let me know. I don’t mind. I’ll go to Paris. I’ll be there. Ciryl Gane in Paris – let’s go.

Let’s go. ” Gane and Aspinall previously met at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi in October. That fight ended in a no-contest at 4:35 of the first round after an eye poke. Aspinall underwent eye surgery in January and February, resumed training in early April, and has not fought since.

Aspinall won the interim heavyweight title with a knockout of Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 in November 2023 and defended it with a knockout of Curtis Blaydes in July 2024. He was promoted to undisputed champion in June 2025 after Jon Jones announced his retirement. Gane lost a title unification attempt to Francis Ngannou by decision at UFC 270 in January 2022.

The UFC has held four Fight Night events in Paris at Accor Arena. The next scheduled card there is set for September 5. No bouts have been officially announced for that event. Entering the Gane-Pereira fight, both fighters were listed at -110 odds.