Alex Pereira Takes Illegal Shots, Charles Oliveira Defends Referee

Alex Pereira was hit with illegal shots by Ciryl Gane during their UFC fight on July 5, 2026.

What happened?

Charles Oliveira thinks referee Herb Dean should have stepped in.

Oliveira told MMA Fighting that several shots landed in a place where they shouldn’t have.

Why it matters for Alex Pereira

The incident has sparked controversy, with some calling for Dean to be banned from officiating Pereira's fights.

Pereira was visibly upset with how Dean officiated his fight against Gane.

What comes next?

Renowned referee John McCarthy has also defended Dean, explaining that most of Gane’s shots on Pereira landed just outside the “two-inch strip”, making them legal.

Oliveira sees this as an opportunity for improvement for all parties involved.

The debate over Dean’s officiating continues, with Oliveira assuring that situations like this serve as a lesson for other referees, the UFC, and the commission.

Oliveira has had his fair share of controversies, but he believes Dean is still a great referee.

The UFC has not commented on the incident, but it is likely that changes will be made to prevent similar situations in the future.

On July 5, 2026, Oliveira stated that situations like this serve as a lesson for everyone involved to stay more alert during fights.

The outcome of the fight has been questioned, with some wondering if the illegal shots affected the result.

Oliveira finished by saying that he has no problem with Dean officiating one of his fights.

The incident has highlighted the need for referees to be more vigilant during fights.

Dean has refereed several of Oliveira’s fights and has always treated him with respect.

The UFC community is waiting to see how the situation will be handled.

Oliveira’s comments have sparked a debate about the role of referees in the UFC.

The incident has also raised questions about the rules and regulations of the sport.

On July 5, 2026, the MMA community was left wondering what would happen next in the aftermath of the incident.