UFC News: Pereira vs Gane Interim Title, Makhachev's Next Fight & McGregor Return

UFC Heavyweight Division Updates

• 🚨 Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane is reportedly leaked for the interim heavyweight belt at UFC Miami, preceding the White House card, due to Tom Aspinall's ongoing injury.
• 🤕 Tom Aspinall expressed deep frustration with the MMA business, detailing severe lingering injuries from his last fight, including vision issues, dizziness, and a persistent black spot, though he still intends to return.
• 🚀 Gable Steveson, an Olympic wrestling champion, plans to call for a UFC shot if he wins his upcoming third professional MMA bout, aiming to inject new life into the heavyweight division.

Lightweight & Welterweight News

• 🚫 Islam Makhachev's team confirmed he will not have a super fight against Ilia Topuria, instead facing a true welterweight within his division.
• 🏆 Justin Gaethje is confirmed to compete for the undisputed lightweight title, with Arman being the likely opponent if Ilia Topuria decides to leave the lightweight division.

Fighter Comebacks & Rivalries

• 🥊 Conor McGregor's potential return to the UFC, possibly for the White House card, is being debated, with Den Thomas suggesting the UFC would strongly consider making it happen despite McGregor's contract claims.
• 🤝 Dricus Du Plessis surprisingly praised Israel Adesanya for taking on lower-ranked Joe Pyfer, acknowledging Adesanya's willingness to keep the middleweight division active and provide exciting matchups.
• 😤 Cory Sandhagen voiced frustration that a rematch with Petr Yan isn't being discussed, highlighting their past thrilling five-round encounter and his decisive victory over Song.

Combat Sports Debate

• 💬 Daniel Cormier weighed in on the boxing vs. MMA debate, asserting that MMA has filled the void left by boxing's decline in delivering frequent, must-see blockbuster matchups, in response to Shakur Stevenson's comments.