Ciryl Gane KOs Alex Pereira in Round 2 at UFC White House

Ciryl Gane claimed the interim heavyweight title by knocking out Alex Pereira in the second round at UFC White House on June 14, 2026, delivering one of the most striking upsets in recent memory. Gane dropped Pereira with a sharp jab before composedly finishing the fight, adding another highlight to a career defined by technical precision.

Gane, known as "Bon Gamin," came in ranked second in the heavyweight division with a record of 14 wins and 2 losses. The 36-year-old Frenchman, who trains out of MMA Factory, stands six-foot-four with an extraordinary 81-inch reach. He is one of the sport's most prolific strikers at this level, averaging 5.29 significant strikes per minute at a 61 percent accuracy rate — numbers that reflect the kind of measured, high-output offense he put on display against Pereira.

Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion nicknamed "Poatan," moved up to heavyweight for the contest carrying a 13-4 record. The 38-year-old Brazilian, who represents Teixeira MMA and Fitness, also stands six-foot-four but holds a slightly shorter reach of 79 inches. A devastating striker in his own right, Pereira averages 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy. However, his relatively low takedown and submission activity — 0.11 takedowns and 0.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes — underlined that this was always going to be a stand-up battle decided on technical striking.

Why it matters

• Gane now holds interim heavyweight gold, setting up a potential unification clash at the top of the division.
• Pereira suffers his fourth career loss and faces questions about his trajectory after stepping up in weight.
• The finish showcased Gane's ability to control range and land precise power shots against an elite knockout artist.
• The result reshapes the heavyweight landscape, with Gane firmly establishing himself as the division's most dangerous presence.