Fedor Ryzhov backs Alex Pereira over Ciryl Gane in interim title bout

MMA Series director Fedor Ryzhov has shared his expectations for the upcoming matchup between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.

Pereira vs. Gane will take place at UFC Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C. The heavyweight bout will have the UFC interim title on the line.

Ryzhov admitted he will be rooting for the Brazilian in this matchup. He said his pick was influenced by Gane’s recent performances, including his controversial fight with Alexander Volkov and his bout with Tom Aspinall, which ended in a no contest after an eye poke.

“I’m simply picking Alex Pereira,” Ryzhov said. “I don’t particularly like Ciryl Gane — including because of the situation with Aspinall. On top of that, he didn’t look very good in the second fight with Volkov and most likely lost. But they gave him the win.

“So my pick is Pereira. Of course, Gane is definitely trickier than Alex. I don’t know whether Pereira will be able to get something going. He has terrifying punching power, but Gane can outpoint him.”

Pereira enters the fight as a former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion. A win over Gane could move the Brazilian closer to a unique achievement — winning a UFC title in a third weight class.

Gane previously held the UFC interim heavyweight belt and remains one of the most technical strikers in the division.

Pereira vs. Gane is part of the UFC Freedom 250 main card, scheduled for Sunday, June 14, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.