Alex Pereira questions UFC's choice of Gane vs Hokit for the heavyweight title

[LostReece55]

Alex Pereira has accused the UFC of manufacturing support for Ciryl Gane's heavyweight title defence against Josh Hokit. Sherdog reports that Gane will face the unbeaten Hokit at UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden on 14 November. Pereira, meanwhile, is set to fight Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on 12 December

Pereira had expected a rematch for the title. Gane stopped him in June at UFC Freedom 250, and Pereira felt the next title shot should be his. Speaking to Laerte Viana, he said the UFC told him a fan poll showed demand for Gane against Hokit, but he never saw the poll himself

He also claimed that Daniel Cormier and other people with big followings were encouraged to praise the matchup before it was announced. Pereira said he asked Cormier whether beating Gane would make him champion, and Cormier said he did not think so. Pereira summed up his view by saying the UFC is in charge and it all feels a bit manipulated

These are Pereira's claims, and the UFC has not responded in the article. Promotions do make matchmaking decisions for many reasons, including storylines, star power and timing. Hokit is 10-0 and has built momentum, so there is a case for giving him his chance

Still, it is understandable that a fighter of Pereira's standing feels frustrated. He is one of the most exciting fighters in the sport, and a fight with Pavlovich is a dangerous test in its own right. A strong win there would put him right back in the title picture

Should Pereira have got the rematch? And how do you see Gane against Hokit going?

Alex Pereira accuses UFC of manufacturing support for Gane-Hokitwww.sherdog.com