Alex Pereira Criticizes UFC Matchmaking and Daniel Cormier’s Stance

Alex Pereira recently voiced dissatisfaction with the UFC after being denied a rematch with heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane. Pereira, who suffered a second-round TKO loss to Gane at UFC Freedom 250, alleges that Gane landed illegal strikes to the back of his head during their bout. Instead of a rematch, the UFC scheduled Gane to defend his title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334, while Pereira is slated to face Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335.

In a recent interview with Laerte Viana, Pereira accused the UFC and analyst Daniel Cormier of manipulating public perception to favor the Gane versus Hokit matchup. Pereira suggested that Cormier's commentary helped build interest in the fight before it was officially announced. Additionally, the Brazilian fighter expressed confusion over previous interactions with Cormier regarding his title aspirations, specifically noting that Cormier's opinions on his heavyweight standing did not seem consistent.