Alex Pereira Fights Ciryl Gane for Interim Heavyweight Title

Alex Pereira lost to Ciryl Gane via TKO in Round 2 at 1:27 for the interim heavyweight title.

The fight took place at UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House.

Ciryl Gane dominated the fight, dropping Alex Pereira in Round 2 with a series of big shots.

Pereira struggled to get going in the first round, with Gane landing several leg kicks and jabs.

Gane's victory improved his record to 14-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC, while Pereira fell to 13-4 MMA, 10-3 UFC.

Alex Pereira was seeking to become the first fighter to claim a UFC belt in three divisions.

He had previously reclaimed the 205-pound title by finishing Magomed Ankalaev in their rematch last October.

Pereira vacated the title for his opportunity at history in the heavyweight division.

The loss sets back Alex Pereira's bid for a third UFC title, but he remains a top contender in the heavyweight division.

Ciryl Gane's victory sets him up for a potential title unification fight against Tom Aspinall, the current heavyweight champion.

Aspinall has been sidelined due to a contract dispute and double eye surgery, opening the door for the interim title fight.

The event was streamed live on Paramount+, with Pereira and Gane walking to the cage at approximately 10:45 p.m. ET.

The fight was refereed by Herb Dean, who stopped the bout in Round 2 due to Gane's dominant performance.

Alex Pereira will look to regroup and refocus after the loss, seeking to get back on track in the heavyweight division.

The Brazilian fighter has a strong record, with 10 wins in the UFC, and will look to bounce back from the setback.