"Congrats, My Brother": Alex Pereira Stuns UFC Fans With Unexpected Josh Hokit Gesture Backstage

Alex Pereira shares unexpected moment with Josh Hokit.© NDTV Photo Library

Alex Pereira surprised Josh Hokit backstage at UFC 334 with a heartfelt message, telling the American he believed he had done enough to beat Ciryl Gane. The moment came after Gane retained the heavyweight title with a unanimous decision. A result Pereira appeared to disagree with from the cage side. Pereira, who lost to Gane at UFC Freedom 250 in June, watched the main event from the front row at Madison Square Garden. When the scores were read, he shook his head and turned to coach Plinio Cruz, seemingly unconvinced by the decision.

Pereira shows Hokit respect after UFC loss

"Hey, bro. Chama, congrats, my brother. For me, you won,” Alex Pereira told Josh Hokit backstage, speaking in Portuguese before Cruz translated. Hokit replied: “Best of luck in your fight. Chama.”

The exchange marked a surprising shift in tone between two fighters who have traded barbs in recent months. Pereira's message suggested he saw enough from Hokit to believe the American deserved the nod, even though the judges scored all five rounds 48-47 for Gane.

Hokit's loss was the first of his professional career, dropping his record to 10-1. He had entered the bout undefeated and riding a four-fight UFC winning streak.

Gane outlasts Hokit in five-round battle

Ciryl Gane won a hard-fought unanimous decision over Josh Hokit, with all three judges scoring the fight 48-47. The Frenchman retained the undisputed heavyweight title after a five-round battle that left both fighters bloodied.

Hokit pressed forward throughout the contest, but Gane landed the cleaner strikes and found a second wind late. The crowd, heavily behind Hokit, booed loudly when the decision was announced.

Gane's win marked his first successful defence of the undisputed heavyweight title. He was elevated from interim champion after Tom Aspinall vacated the belt due to an eye injury.

Hokit vows to bounce back stronger

Alex Pereira remains a top contender in the heavyweight division after his loss to Ciryl Gane. His willingness to publicly back Hokit adds another layer to the ongoing rivalry among the three heavyweights.

Dana White had previously floated a potential fight between Hokit and Pereira, saying it “makes sense” regardless of the outcome at UFC 334. The backstage exchange suggests the two may have more in common than their public feud suggested.

Hokit, meanwhile, has vowed to return stronger. “I will never lose hope. I will be champion one day,” he said after the fight.