Jon Jones’ First Message to Ciryl Gane Amid Referee Backlash Over Alex Pereira Stoppage

At UFC Freedom 250, one of the most anticipated fights on the card featured former two-division champion Alex Pereira attempting to capture interim heavyweight gold against Ciryl Gane. Many believed Pereira’s championship experience and devastating power would carry him to a third UFC title. However, it was Gane’s speed, movement, and precision that ultimately proved to be the difference.

After a competitive opening round in which both men found success, the French heavyweight began to take control in the second. Gane repeatedly landed his sharp jab and eventually dropped Pereira with a clean shot. Although ‘Poatan’ managed to get back to his feet, Gane continued pouring on the pressure and landed a barrage of strikes against the hurt Brazilian.

Following several unanswered shots, referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the contest, awarding Gane a TKO victory and making him a two-time interim heavyweight champion. Gane’s stellar performance immediately drew praise from former heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who previously defeated Gane via first-round submission at UFC 285.

“Congratulations to the new heavyweight champion Gane, you looked great out there tonight,” Jones posted on X.

Congratulations to the new heavyweight champion Gane, you looked great out there tonight. ~

After Jones’ reaction, UFC fans also chimed in and expressed their admiration for Gane’s performance against one of the sport’s biggest stars. However, many viewers also took issue with Herb Dean’s stoppage, believing the referee allowed Pereira to absorb too many unnecessary strikes before ending the fight. 

Fans react to the referee’s late stoppage as Ciryl Gane knocks out Alex Pereira at UFC White House  

That was a clear late stoppage

It was a late stoppage of anything unfortunately, he gave pereira more chances then most would get 

oh so a fighter has to be on the ground and out cold for it to be stopped, that was a good stoppage you can even that was a late stoppage, one more punch and alex was going out 

Gotta stop letting herb ref title fights when he’s obsessed with stopping them with both fighters standing…  

Brother that stoppage was late  

That was a good stoppage

Which is funny since he missed the ten plus strikes to the back of the head

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