Alex Pereira is still dealing with the effects, physically and mentally, of his bout Sunday at UFC Freedom 250.
But not one to sit on the shelf too long, Pereira (13-4 MMA, 10-3 UFC) is also already weighing his options for the next one. He’s sticking to heavyweight – and he wants to run it back.
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“We already asked the UFC for an immediate rematch (vs. Ciryl Gane),” Pereira told MMA Junkie on Wednesday through his interpreter and coach Plinio Cruz. “I know everything is crazy on their side with this event. We’re following up and seeing the next steps as far as this. This is the plan.”
Pereira lost by second-round TKO stoppage to Gane (14-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC) on the White House lawn. It ended, however, in what he views as controversial fashion. In the flurry of strikes absorbed, Pereira felt he was hit in the back of the head with illegal blows several times and told MMA Junkie he plans to potentially appeal the result.
Regardless, Pereira wants to redeem himself and get a second crack at the Frenchman. A little bit of healing is necessary, but Pereira expects a fall return.
“Well, I’ve got a 60-day suspension, right?” Pereira said. “So I’ve got to get that through. But I think September, around September would be a good date. That would be past the suspension time. I’ll be able to do a camp and train. I think sometime around September.”
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Always hungry for greatness, Pereira said the way things played out Sunday might have heightened his motivation even further.
“Well, anyone who knows me knows I’m always motivated regardless, especially after everything that happened right now,” Pereira said. “I’m motivated to come back and perform and win the belt.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Alex Pereira next fight after UFC Freedom 250: Here’s what he wants
