Alex Pereira’s Frustration Explodes As UFC Picks Josh Hokit Over Former Two-Division Champ

Alex Pereira questions UFC’s Gane-Hokit matchmaking.© NDTV Photo Library

Alex Pereira has admitted frustration with the UFC. He was left out of both a rematch with Ciryl Gane and a title fight against Josh Hokit. The former two-division champion said the promotion “do whatever they want” under his contract. Pereira will instead return against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas. He needs a win to stay in the heavyweight title picture. The Brazilian had hoped to run back his loss to Gane. But the UFC moved in a different direction with its heavyweight plans. Now Pereira must get past Pavlovich to force his way back into contention.

Pereira slams UFC after missing out on the title shot

Alex Pereira was defeated by Ciryl Gane via second-round TKO at UFC Freedom Fights 250 in June. Later, he complained of getting hit in the back of his head and campaigned for a rematch.

However, Gane was promoted to undisputed heavyweight champion after Tom Aspinall stepped down the belt because of injury. Gane will defend it against Hokit in November, leaving Pereira on the outside looking in.

"What got me more upset at that time was because they told me that I was possibly going to fight Gane for the belt or fight [Josh] Hokit, and then none of that happened," Pereira told Uncrowned. “They do whatever they want is on the contract.”

Pereira opens up about his toughest heavyweight challenge

Alex Pereira believes the UFC has handed him a tougher assignment than either of the fights he expected. "Coming from a loss, fighting Hokit would be much, much easier for me than fighting Pavlovich, who's supposed to be a harder fight. Hokit would be a much easier fight for me," Pereira said.

Sergei Pavlovich brings genuine danger. The Russian has 19 career knockouts and will meet Pereira in a five-round co-main event at T-Mobile Arena. Pereira enters at 13-4; meanwhile, Pavlovich is 21-3.

The Brazilian has adjusted his preparation accordingly. He said he plans to come in lighter, around 240 pounds, to improve mobility against Pavlovich's power.

A victory would keep Pereira in line for a shot at the Gane-Hokit winner. A second straight heavyweight defeat, however, would leave the 39-year-old facing difficult questions about his future at 265 pounds.

Pereira has also left the door open for returning to light heavyweight, though he said the current plan remains to stay at heavyweight.

At present, his frustration is clear. But so is the fight ahead. Beat Pavlovich, and Pereira can force his way back into the title conversation.