Jorge Masvidal and Dustin Poirier are both siding with Alex Pereira ahead of his interim heavyweight title clash with Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250.
Pereira is scheduled to face former interim champion Gane in the co-main event of UFC Freedom 250, which takes place at the White House on June 14. Pereira is described as a slight favorite over Gane, with some bettors having the odds even.
Masvidal expects adversity early for Pereira but still envisions a late finish. “I think he has a tough time the first two rounds,” Masvidal said, before adding, “I think he ends up getting like a late stoppage. I think Gane's footwork, those first two rounds are going to be very, very hard to get by that defense. He keeps the range, and he keeps you at arm's length just as he's moving away.”
Poirier is also leaning toward Pereira, noting both the Brazilian’s size and what he believes Gane must do to turn the tide. “He is huge,” Poirier said. “I think he wins this fight. I think he beats Gane. Will Gane try to wrestle, or try to make it ugly and clinch? Put him against the fence? I think that's what he needs to do.”
Gane is characterized as one of the fastest and most versatile strikers at heavyweight, while Pereira enters the matchup with notable support from fellow fighters, including those who refer to him as “Poatan.”
