Daniel Cormier denies Alex Pereira’s UFC claim, hopes friendship survives

Pereira (13-4) is scheduled to fight Sergei Pavlovich (21-3) at UFC 335 Dec. 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Meanwhile
Josh Hockey (10-0) challenges Cyril Gane
(14-2) for the heavyweight title at UFC 334 November 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Pereira accused Cormier of promoting Gane and Hokit while running the UFC, prompting a response from DC.

Daniel Cormier Denies UFC Guidelines To Promote Ciryl Gane And Josh Hokit And Clarifies Alex Pereira’s GOAT Talk

Pereira believes he deserved a title rematch against Gane despite being stopped by the Frenchman
UFC Freedom 250 in June. “Poatan” accused Cormier of helping build support for Gane vs. to Hokit before the match was announced. Cormier denied the UFC ordered him to promote it.

“Alex Pereira and I have built a relationship over the last five years,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “I believe it’s a great relationship and I believe it’s a friendship. Pereira did an interview and he said some things. The UFC didn’t tell me to promote it as a fight that’s going to happen.”

Pereira also recalled a conversation with Cormier before the Gane fight. The Brazilian said he had asked if beating Gane would make him the heavyweight champion and that Cormier said no.

Cormier disputed that account, showing a clip of an interview with Pereira. In it, Pereira asks through his coach and translator,
Plinio Cruzwould a win over gane make him the greatest of all time. Cormier said Pereira doesn’t have that distinction yet, but he’s part of the discussion.

“It was before the White House card,” Cormier added. “Alex asked me through Plinio if he would win, if he would be the GOAT… I didn’t say he wouldn’t be champion; I said he wouldn’t be the GOAT yet. I complimented Pereira. Pereira and I have a great relationship; I hope that doesn’t change. I think he’s a good kid; I think he’s a brave fighter.”