White: Gane must fight for the vacant title
Ciryl Gane will not be elevated to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion despite holding the interim belt, Dana White has confirmed. In an interview with Diana Belbita, White explained that Gane still has to compete for the now-vacant title. He added that the promotion will monitor Tom Aspinall's situation, while Gane will face another contender, with the winner of that bout becoming the new champion. White also told Sportsnet on Friday that Gane will be fighting very soon in a bout for the vacant title, but did not name a possible opponent.[S1][S2]
Aspinall relinquished his championship on Monday because of an ongoing eye injury he suffered against Gane in October 2025. White said he does not know when Aspinall will return, but that the UFC will be ready for him once he is healed. While Aspinall was sidelined, Gane defeated Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250 to become interim champion. In the past, the UFC has automatically promoted interim champions to undisputed when a title holder was forced to relinquish, making this decision a departure from precedent.[S2]
Pereira pushes for a rematch at Madison Square Garden
Alex Pereira wants to fight Ciryl Gane again after losing to him at UFC Freedom 250. According to Pereira, the rematch makes sense, and he wants to beat Gane this time to win his third UFC title. He also specified when and where he wants the fight: he is ready to compete in November and wants it to take place at Madison Square Garden. Pereira argued that he has accomplished a lot in the UFC and deserves to have those options.[S1]
Pereira is a big name, but securing a rematch with Gane may not be easy after his recent loss. Other fighters, such as Josh Hokit, are also waiting for their chance. Just behind Gane in the heavyweight rankings is Alexander Volkov. As a result, Pereira may have to wait before getting another shot at Gane.[S1][S2]
