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Alex Pereira Accuses UFC and Daniel Cormier of Manipulating Public Opinion Ahead of Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit

UFC heavyweight contender Alex Pereira has publicly challenged the promotion’s decision to pair Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit for the undisputed title at UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden, calling the matchup a product of manipulated fan sentiment. Pereira, who had been widely expected to challenge for the belt after Tom Aspinall’s title vacation, instead faces Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335.

He accused the UFC of selectively promoting the Gane-Hokit fight before its official announcement, claiming the organization cited a fan poll—one he never saw—as justification. Pereira also alleged that UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier and other influential figures were enlisted to build public support for the pairing ahead of time, suggesting the promotion orchestrated the narrative to ensure acceptance of the matchup.

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