Sports · Combat Sports · 2 hrs ago
Henry Cejudo says Alex Pereira should earn another heavyweight title shot
Henry Cejudo says Alex Pereira has already skipped the line for a UFC heavyweight title shot.
Pereira, a former middleweight and light heavyweight champion from Brazil, lost to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 in June.
He was knocked out in his heavyweight debut while trying to become the first UFC fighter to win titles in three divisions.
Pereira later complained that Josh Hokit, rather than him, was chosen to challenge Gane, and also criticized referee Herb Dean and commentator Daniel Cormier.
Cejudo said Pereira should have won two or three more fights before getting another title chance, while acknowledging that Gane landed illegal blows.
Hokit is set to face Gane for the heavyweight title, and Pereira is scheduled to fight Sergei Pavlovich about a month later.
Pereira hopes to earn a shot at the winner in 2027.
Henry Cejudo said Alex Pereira should have to win two or three more fights before getting another title shot.
Cejudo argued that Pereira had already received an interim heavyweight title opportunity despite having no previous fight in the division.
Pereira has complained that Josh Hokit, rather than him, was chosen to challenge Ciryl Gane.
Pereira was knocked out by Gane at UFC Freedom 250 in June.
Pereira is scheduled to face Sergei Pavlovich after the UFC 334 heavyweight title fight, according to Bloody Elbow.
- Who
- Henry Cejudo criticized Alex Pereira’s complaints about not getting another heavyweight title shot.
- What
- Cejudo said Pereira should win two or three more fights before fighting for the title.
- When
- Cejudo’s comments were reported on October 16, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Cejudo said Pereira had already received an interim title opportunity in his heavyweight debut and had lost to Ciryl Gane.
Alex Pereira
Henry Cejudo
Next title opportunity
Alex Pereira
Pereira complained that Josh Hokit was chosen to challenge Ciryl Gane instead of him.
Henry Cejudo
Cejudo said Pereira had already skipped the line and should win two or three more fights before another title shot.
Alex Pereira was knocked out by Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250.
Pereira accused Daniel Cormier of pushing an agenda that led the UFC to book Gane against Josh Hokit.
Bloody Elbow reported Cejudo’s criticism of Pereira’s complaints.
Pereira is set to face Sergei Pavlovich, according to Bloody Elbow.
- Pereira’s opponent at UFC Freedom 250
- Ciryl Gane
- Pereira’s result at UFC Freedom 250
- Knocked out
- Proposed next opponent for Gane
- Josh Hokit
- Cejudo’s suggested number of wins before another title fight
- Two or three
- Pereira’s planned opponent
- Sergei Pavlovich
1 source
What people are saying
You’ve skipped the line long enough, bro.
I feel like he needed to win at least two or three more to fight for the title.
To be upset after not having a fight at heavyweight and then getting a shot to fight for the interim title at the White House?! Bro, there’s no complaining.