The promotion’s preference for immediate rematches is understandable, even if it occasionally irritates fight fans. If a matchup sells once, it sells twice, right? If there’s even a modicum of intrigue to be squeezed out of the high-profile pairing, the UFC will likely host it a second time.
A fast rising heavyweight contender Josh Hockey is outraged by this proposal. “The Incredible Hok” went on a social media rampage against another Gane vs. Pereira booking, claiming in several posts that he has earned more and that Pereira remains undefeated as a UFC heavyweight.
“As a fan, this fight makes no sense,” Hokit wrote to X. “I watched you get demolished. How about a more affordable matchup like Sergei who is basically a striker and less athletic than Ciryl. How about you get one f-king win at this weight class before you are gifted another title shot.”
He continued inside a later tweet” … (Alex Pereira) can’t beat me, can’t beat Pavlovich, can’t beat Blaydes, Kuniyev, Waldo or Volkov. Certainly can’t beat Ciryl… But, but he won at middleweight and featherweight… YAWN (middle finger emoticon). Pavlovich has technique set up in his favor. Surviving the early rounds with Ciryl and betting that he’ll tire in the later rounds… Gay”
Bottom line, Hokit wants defeated stars like Pereira to “earn” their way back to UFC gold.
“Growing up I loved @ufc and all its fighters. So it gives me great pleasure to use my platform today to speak the truth: neither Ilia Topuria nor Alex Pereira deserve the title of af-king in their next fight. Both were handily destroyed. Make them earn it and fight their way back like everyone else. Sincerely, fans.”
Sorry for Hokit and his reasonable arguments The UFC is not a meritocracy. “Poatan” is still a huge name despite the knockout loss, and the UFC is looking to capitalize on his remaining star power before the 39-year-old Brazilian retires or drops significantly. Pereira vs. Gane 2 could headline the UFC right now, while Pereira would lose Sergei Pavlovich or Josh Hokit?