UFC faces accusation from Alex Pereira over Gane-Hokit promotion
Pereira, a former two-division UFC champion, claims the promotion behind Ciryl Gane against Josh Hokit was manufactured. UFC commentator Daniel Cormier denies being told to promote it and says he hopes the friendship lasts.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
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What happened
Alex Pereira has accused the UFC of manufacturing public support for the Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit heavyweight title bout at UFC 334 in November, saying Daniel Cormier was used to push it. Cormier responded that the UFC never instructed him to back the matchup. He added that he does not want bitterness in his relationship with Pereira.
Why it matters
Pereira's claim puts the UFC's promotion of a title fight under public scrutiny.
Timeline
- Oct 13, 2:26 AM ET: Pereira criticized Cormier for pushing for Gane to fight Hokit next instead of him.
- Oct 13, 7:27 AM ET: Pereira kept up his complaints, accusing the UFC of steering public opinion toward the bout.
- Oct 13, 7:00 PM ET: Cormier responded to Pereira, saying he was never directed by the UFC to promote the fight.
- Oct 14, 4:00 AM ET: Cormier denied Pereira's claim and said he hopes their friendship survives.
Coverage
- Daniel Cormier Fires Back After Alex Pereira Questions His Role in Ciryl Gane-Josh Hokit Fight (mmasucka.com)
- Daniel Cormier: Alex Pereira 'misguided' to believe UFC made me push for Gane vs. Hokit (USA Today)
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