Cormier says he was not instructed by UFC to promote Gane-Hokit bout amid Pereira dispute
Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier denied being told by the organization to push the Ciryl Gane-Josh Hokit fight after Alex Pereira criticized the matchup, calling the disagreement a miscommunication.
Daniel Cormier addressed Alex Pereira's recent comments about the upcoming heavyweight title fight between Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit at UFC 334. In a YouTube interview, Cormier said he was not directed by the UFC to promote the bout and suggested that some of Pereira's statements were confusing.
"Alex Pereira is one of the best fighters we have seen in a very long time," Cormier said, adding that the two have built a friendship over the past five years.
Cormier also refuted Pereira's claim that he told the Brazilian fighter he would not become champion if he had defeated Gane at the UFC White House event. He explained that he said Pereira would not yet be considered the "GOAT" and that any discussion about a title shot would depend on future performances.
The former champion noted that Pereira's push for an immediate rematch with Gane appears to rest mainly on alleged illegal strikes to the back of the head, which Cormier described as a possible miscommunication. He highlighted Hokit’s recent victories over top-10 opponents as a stronger basis for a title opportunity.
Looking ahead, Cormier said Pereira is scheduled to fight Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 and that a win there would merit a title-contending fight, but he does not see the White House result as a direct path to an immediate championship bout.