Pereira vs. Gane for UFC Interim Heavyweight Title

Alex Pereira stands poised to etch his name in UFC history when he challenges Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event of UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 at the White House South Lawn in Washington, D.C.

The 38-year-old Brazilian, a former middleweight and two-time light heavyweight champion, vacated his 205-pound belt earlier this year to pursue gold in a third division. A victory would make him the first fighter to claim UFC titles across three weight classes. Pereira enters with a 13-3 record, including 10 knockouts, following a first-round stoppage of Magomed Ankalaev in October at UFC 320 that avenged his lone Octagon loss. Gane, the Frenchman with a 13-2 mark and one no-contest, has not won since a decision over Alexander Volkov at UFC 310 18 months ago. Their prior encounter ended in a no-contest due to an eye poke.

The bout headlines a card tied to America's 250th anniversary celebrations, with Ilia Topuria defending his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje in the main event. Other matchups include Sean O'Malley versus Aiemann Zahabi at bantamweight, Michael Chandler against Mauricio Ruffy at lightweight, Bo Nickal versus Kyle Daukaus at...