Aspinall Questions Gane's Round-2 TKO of Pereira, Citing Illegal Blows

Q: Will Gane's alleged illegal strikes jeopardize his potential title rematch with Tom Aspinall in Paris this September?

No. Based on what is publicly known, Gane’s alleged illegal strikes do not currently appear to threaten a September rematch with Tom Aspinall in Paris. Aspinall openly criticized the finish against Alex Pereira, saying several follow-up elbows and punches looked like illegal shots to the back of the head. Pereira has made similar complaints and blamed referee Herb Dean for not intervening. But neither the UFC nor any athletic authority mentioned in the available reporting has announced a review, disciplinary action, or a change to Gane’s result. Just as important, Aspinall has not backed away from the fight. Despite raising the issue, he publicly said he is willing to face Gane in Paris in September, and Gane has also expressed interest in that matchup. The UFC is scheduled to return to Paris on Sept. 5, which gives the idea a realistic window. The bigger uncertainty is not the controversy itself, but whether the UFC formally books the rematch. Dana White has said he had not yet worked through the matchup or logistics. That means the fight is still dependent on promotion plans, medical clearance, and contract details rather than on the Pereira controversy alone. Unless regulators overturn the result or the UFC decides the officiating issue requires further action, the allegations by themselves are unlikely to derail an Aspinall-Gane title fight in Paris. At this stage, the rematch looks politically and competitively viable, even if the finish over Pereira remains disputed.

3 articles · Updated · MMA Junkie · Jun 16

Tom Aspinall said several strikes in Ciryl Gane's second-round TKO of Alex Pereira looked "very illegal," arguing elbows and punches appeared to land to the back of Pereira's head.
Gane had dropped Pereira with a jab in the UFC Freedom 250 co-headliner at the White House, then swarmed him as Pereira tried to clinch and survive before the stoppage came on the feet.
Aspinall still praised Gane's overall performance, while saying Pereira looked stiff, slow and unable to get going despite making it back up after the knockdown.
The comments add heat to a possible rematch after Aspinall's October title defense against Gane ended in a no contest from an accidental eye poke that led to double eye surgery.
Paris in September is now Aspinall's target, with the heavyweight champion saying he would be ready to face Gane there.