Dana White backs Pereira's foul claims but defends Herb Dean after Gane stoppage

Dana White has conceded that Alex Pereira absorbed illegal blows during his second-round stoppage loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC White House, validating the former champion’s complaints while declining to place full blame on referee Herb Dean.

Gane claimed the vacant interim heavyweight title after finishing Pereira in the second round, a result that ended the Brazilian’s bid to become the first three-division champion in UFC history. The controversy centres on a ground scramble triggered by a Gane jab, during which Pereira says he was struck repeatedly to the back of the head — an illegal target — before Gane landed the finishing shots on the feet moments later.

“I think every time everybody fights, the referee should be watching everything that happens,” White told reporters following UFC Vegas 119. “No refereeing anywhere is perfect. It could be an NBA game, an NFL game, definitely some fights, it’s never going to be perfect.”

White acknowledged the footage supports Pereira’s version of events, adding: “If you watch the fights, it’s undeniable he got hit with some strikes to the back of the head. But in the middle of the action when guys are rolling around, trying to get out of it, sometimes some fouls happen. Maybe Dean should have said ‘hey, watch the back of the head’ or warned him or something like that.”

Despite his measured criticism, White was careful not to condemn Dean outright, instead pointing to the broader imperfection of officiating across all sports. He reserved particular credit for Pereira’s character, suggesting the former two-division champion is not the type to manufacture grievances after a defeat.

“Alex Pereira is not a whiner,” White said. “Alex Pereira doesn’t complain about things or make excuses after fights. I have to believe that he truly believed that was true.”

Dean has already responded to the backlash, releasing a video explaining his decision not to pause the action or warn Gane during the scramble. Pereira, meanwhile, has gone further than most fighters would after a loss, publicly calling for Dean to retire from refereeing and directing sustained criticism at both the official and Gane.

Pereira’s team has discussed filing a formal appeal against the result, though the fighter himself has acknowledged that overturning a decision of this nature is close to impossible. White confirmed that the athletic commission overseeing the event holds final authority over any such process.