Ciryl Gane isn’t buying into Alex Pereira slowing down at heavyweight prior to UFC Freedom 250: “He is a professional”

Ciryl Gane believes Alex Pereira will show up in peak form at UFC Freedom 250.

Gane and Pereira are scheduled to collide with the interim UFC Heavyweight Championship at stake this Sunday on the White House lawn. “Poatan” is making the jump up in weight in hopes of capturing UFC gold in a third division. If Pereira pulls off the win, he’d be the only three-division champion in UFC history, although he’d be carrying the interim label.

Going into UFC Freedom 250, some have questioned whether or not Pereira can maintain his speed and striking power in the heavyweight division. When asked about it during a media day session (live stream via MMAJunkie), Gane brushed off the thought of Pereira’s performance suffering due to poor preparation.

“No, he is a professional,” Gane said. “I’m pretty sure what he do with his team [is professional]. For me, I’m preparing for him because we expected the best version of Pereira in the heavyweight [division] with full speed, conditioning, and power. So, I’m really not focused on this question.”

UFC CEO Dana White has shared his belief that Pereira would surpass Jon Jones as the greatest MMA fighter of all time if he can defeat Gane on Sunday. While some have stopped short of giving Pereira such a distinction if things go his way, Gane plans to put a halt to the chatter on fight night.

Gane still has unfinished business with main heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall after what transpired in their UFC 321 encounter back in Oct. 2025. A double poke to Aspinall’s eyes ended the title fight prematurely. Aspinall required double eye surgery, and Gane saw his efforts go to waste because of the accidental foul.

Do you think Alex Pereira will be in peak condition for UFC Freedom 250, or will the move to heavyweight hinder his performance? Sound off in the comments below.