Joe Rogan Says He’s Heard Alex Pereira–Ciryl Gane Talk for Heavyweight Return
No bout is booked, with the heavyweight scene unsettled following Tom Aspinall’s eye injury.
Overview
- On his podcast, Joe Rogan said he has heard unconfirmed chatter that Alex Pereira could face Ciryl Gane at heavyweight in 2026.
- Rogan emphasized the rumor is not vetted by UFC leadership and cited Pereira’s reported 240-plus-pound frame and elite punching power.
- Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight title by knocking out Magomed Ankalaev in October and has signaled interest in moving up rather than defending at 205.
- Pereira had pushed for a Jon Jones fight at a proposed White House event, but he posted that the plan appears off after Dana White voiced reservations about Jones for that card.
- With Tom Aspinall recovering from an eye poke suffered against Gane, former fighter Josh Thomson has floated Pereira vs. Gane for an interim heavyweight belt if the champion remains sidelined.