“Stone Fist” Alex Ferreira (39, Brazil) is challenging for the legendary feat of conquering three weight classes—an unprecedented achievement in UFC history—for the first time in history right in the heart of the White House.
Ferreira, a former UFC Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion, will engage in a fierce single-elimination match for the interim heavyweight title against Cyril Gann (36, France), ranked No. 1 in the 120.2kg heavyweight division, in the co-main event of “UFC Freedom 250,” a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, held on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on the 15th (KST).
To date, only 11 fighters in UFC history have conquered two weight classes, either simultaneously or with a time gap. However, since the inception of the UFC in 1993, not a single fighter has reached the top of three weight classes. If Ferreira wins this match, he will become the first fighter in history to achieve the monumental record of being a “three-weight class champion.”
Although this is an interim title fight, the interim champion will succeed to the official title if the return of official champion Tom Aspinall, who has been sidelined for eight months due to an eye injury, is delayed. Even if Aspinall returns, a unification title fight against the winner of this match is scheduled, making this effectively a matchup to determine the next heavyweight throne. Pereira (13 wins, 3 losses), who bulked up in a lower weight class to move up, confidently made the heavyweight weight limit.
At the weigh-in, Pereira recorded 113.9 kg, passing the weigh-in with a body weight 1.6 kg heavier than the heavyweight regular Cyril Gahn (112.5 kg, 13 wins, 2 losses, 1 no contest), demonstrating his peak condition. Pereira, who appeared on the day dressed in the traditional attire of the Patacho tribe—the indigenous Brazilian tribe to which he belongs—stepped onto the outdoor stage of the White House South Lawn, shook hands firmly with Cyril Gahn, and struck a fighting pose with a sharp gaze.
Cyril Gan, a former French Muay Thai champion, expressed his relaxed sentiments, stating, “I am very happy to fight Alex Ferreira in the iconic venue of the White House,” and adding, “It is always a pleasure to face a strong opponent with a new style.” In response, Ferreira addressed the crowd filling the White House, saying, “Thank you to everyone who came here today,” and vowed to ascend to the throne, adding, “As this is a special day marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, I will repay you with a great match in the octagon tomorrow.”
The crowd responded enthusiastically by chanting Ferreira’s signature catchphrase, “Chama (Fire).” Ferreira, who dominated the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions in GLORY, the world’s premier kickboxing organization, is now dominating the mixed martial arts (MMA) scene as well. True to his nickname “Stone Fist,” his weapon is a formidable one-punch knockout power capable of knocking out an opponent with a mere graze.
On the other hand, Cyril Ghan is a well-rounded technician possessing agile footwork uncharacteristic of a heavyweight, a variety of kicks, and clever striking techniques. Meanwhile, ‘UFC Freedom 250,’ which will be held for the first time in history on a special outdoor stage at the White House, will be broadcast live on the terrestrial sports entertainment channel tvN and the OTT platform TVING starting at 9 a.m. on the 15th.