Alex Pereira accused Ciryl Gane of landing illegal strikes that contributed to his stoppage loss at UFC's White House event on Sunday. Gane stopped the Brazilian in round two of their interim heavyweight title fight, ending Pereira's quest to become UFC's first three-division champion. Pereira released images showing swelling and bruising on the back of his head, claiming Gane threw downward elbows and punches as he attempted to rise.

The former champion says he warned referee Herb Dean about Gane's history of questionable strikes before the fight. Pereira specifically raised concerns about potential eye pokes, groin strikes, and back-of-head shots. Dean defended his officiating, explaining that strikes to the nape of the neck and a two-inch column down the back of the head are illegal, though hits to the sides are permitted.

Britain's Tom Aspinall, who faced Gane in October, backed Pereira's claims, calling the Frenchman a 'cheat' after their no-contest bout left Aspinall needing surgery on both eyes. Gane maintained he respects the rules despite the mounting criticism. The controversy overshadows Gane's interim title victory and raises questions about consistency in enforcing MMA striking regulations.

The incident adds fuel to ongoing debates about fighter safety and officiating standards in the UFC, particularly given the high-profile White House venue and implications for future matchups.