Pereira Teases Big Fight Announcement After Gane Loss

Alex Pereira says a major fight announcement is coming Friday, according to MMA Mania, after his failed attempt to become the UFC's first triple champion ended in a TKO loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC White House.

Pereira posted the single word "Tomorrow" on social media Thursday, per the report, after returning to the United States from vacation. The former middleweight and light heavyweight champion landed at his Connecticut home base and crossed the Whitestone Bridge, suggesting he is ready to resume serious training.

The Brazilian pushed for an immediate rematch with Gane, claiming the Frenchman landed illegal punches to the back of his head during the finish. That argument did not sway UFC brass, and Gane will instead face Josh Hokit in the main event of UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden to become the undisputed heavyweight champion. Tom Aspinall remains sidelined with injury.

Pereira has made clear he intends to stay at heavyweight and capture the belt there. The most likely next opponents are No. 2-ranked Sergei Pavlovich or No. 4-ranked Alexander Volkov, both of whom had strong cases to fight Gane for the title instead of Hokit. Either man would give Pereira a path back into heavyweight title contention if he can secure a win.

The announcement is expected Friday.