Alex Pereira, who typically fights three times a year, aims to maintain this pace in 2026 if he defeats Ciryl Gane this weekend. The former two-time light heavyweight and middleweight champion will make his heavyweight debut at UFC Freedom 250 against Gane. Should Pereira emerge victorious, he will become the first fighter in UFC history to achieve glory in three different divisions, albeit initially capturing an interim title.
The winner of this co-main event bout is slated to face Tom Aspinall later this year for a title unification match. However, Aspinall is currently sidelined due to double eye surgery and has not yet been cleared to resume sparring. Although the undisputed heavyweight king is expected to return before the end of 2026, a definitive timeline remains unconfirmed. Furthermore, Aspinall’s new manager, Eddie Hearn, has publicly stated that Aspinall is underpaid and should not compete again until the UFC offers a more favorable contract, which could further delay his return.
Given these circumstances, Alex Pereira has expressed his intention not to wait idly after the White House event. At 38 years old, Pereira is keen to return to the octagon soon and is not inclined to wait an extended period for Aspinall. In a recent interview with UFC on TNT Sports, the Brazilian stated:
“I don’t think Tom [Aspinall] is going to be ready. I do not think he is even training… I am a guy who likes to get ready and fight somebody as soon as possible. I want to get another fight as soon as possible… I’m 38 years old. I ain’t got time to lose.”
Dana White previously confirmed that a bout between Tom Aspinall and Alex Pereira was arranged for June 14th at the White House event. However, Aspinall’s delayed recovery and inability to spar necessitated a change in plans, leading to Ciryl Gane stepping in.
Alex Pereira’s Perspective on Fighting Soon
Alex Pereira is keen to continue his active fighting schedule, aiming for three bouts in 2026. Following his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250, Pereira hopes to face the winner of the undisputed title fight soon after, rather than waiting for Tom Aspinall’s recovery. Pereira indicated that he believes Aspinall may not be ready to compete in the near future and is not currently training. At 38, Pereira emphasizes his limited time and desire to fight as frequently as possible.
English Translation:
Alex Pereira, who enjoys fighting three times a year, plans to do the same in 2026 if he defeats Ciryl Gane this weekend. The former two-time UFC light heavyweight and middleweight titleholder will be making his heavyweight debut at UFC Freedom 250 against Gane. If “Poatan” manages to stop “Bon Gamin,” he will become the first fighter in the company’s history to achieve glory in three divisions, although for now, he will only capture the interim title.
The winner of the UFC Freedom 250 co-main event is expected to meet Tom Aspinall later this year in a title unification bout. Aspinall is sidelined after undergoing double eye surgery and has yet to receive clearance to resume sparring. Although the undisputed UFC 265-pound kingpin expects to return before the end of 2026, no timeline has been confirmed. Meanwhile, his new manager, Eddie Hearn, recently argued that Aspinall is underpaid and suggested he should not compete again until the UFC presents a better contract.
The issues listed above can delay the Brit’s return. Thus, Alex Pereira has made it clear that he doesn’t plan on wasting time after the Freedom 250 event. “Poatan,” who is now 38 years old, will look to return to the octagon soon and will not wait long for Aspinall. During an interview with UFC on TNT Sports, the Brazilian said:
“I don’t think Tom [Aspinall] is going to be ready. I do not think he is even training… I am a guy who likes to get ready and fight somebody as soon as possible. I want to get another fight as soon as possible… I’m 38 years old. I ain’t got time to lose.”
Dana White previously stated that a fight between Tom Aspinall and Alex Pereira was set for June 14th at the White House event. However, Aspinall’s recovery timeline and current inability to spar led the UFC to adjust their plans and bring Ciryl Gane into the picture.
