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McCarthy explains Gane vs. Pereira fight-ending sequence

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 5:50 PM

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

McCarthy explains Gane vs. Pereira fight-ending sequence

Summary

John McCarthy addressed the controversy from Ciryl Gane's fight against Alex Pereira during their interim heavyweight title bout at UFC Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C. Gane dropped Pereira in Round 2 and continued attacking, despite Pereira's claims that Gane landed illegal strikes. Pereira is appealing his TKO loss, citing multiple illegal blows during the fight, while McCarthy defended referee Herb Dean's decisions, emphasizing the difficulties in real-time officiating. The conversation highlights ongoing debates in MMA regarding referee oversight and the criteria for legal strikes.

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Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Gane faced Pereira on June 18, 2026, at UFC Freedom 250.
•McCarthy discussed the legality of Gane's strikes during the fight.
•Pereira is appealing his TKO loss, citing illegal blows.
•McCarthy defended referee Herb Dean's decisions in the fight.

Latest Updates

5:50 PMYahoo Sports — John McCarthy explains key factor in Gane vs. Pereira fight-ending sequence

What they're saying

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John McCarthy has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Ciryl Gane's fight-ending sequence vs. Alex Pereira and Herb Dean's ruling.
— Yahoo Sports

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