Alex Pereira will attempt to become the first three-division champion in UFC history when he faces Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom Fights 250 on June 14 at the White House.

Pereira, who has already captured titles at middleweight and light heavyweight, enters the bout with a 13-3 MMA record, while Gane, 13-2, is widely regarded as one of the most technically skilled and mobile heavyweights in the division. The matchup has drawn attention for its contrast in styles, pitting Pereira’s power against Gane’s speed and movement.

Former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who defeated Gane in their 2022 title unification bout, offered his assessment of the contest in an interview this week. “It’s going to be an interesting fight,” Ngannou said, according to TMZ Sports.

Ngannou highlighted the stylistic differences between the two fighters, noting Gane’s mobility as a potential advantage. “I think Alex Pereira is very tough. He’s big enough. He’s a heavyweight. But in this scenario, the position shifted a little bit because Ciryl Gane here looks more with a strategy of a lighter person because he moves a lot. He’s fast and I think Alex Pereira will be like most stiff, stable and strong, solid,” he said.

He added that Gane’s ability to control distance could prove decisive. “Cyril will be more fast moving around. That’s his technique. He’s good at that,” Ngannou said. “And then it’s going to be very difficult for Alex Pereira to even get close to the distance to figure out what he can do. Like just to get in the distance, you know, to get close to that, to close that distance, which Ciryl will be managing very well to keep the distance, pick apart, get him frustrated. He’s good at that. I think he’s a very good matchup for Ciryl.”

The winner of the bout will claim the interim heavyweight title, potentially setting up a future unification fight, while Pereira could secure a place in UFC history with victory.