Alex Pereira has finally broken his silence two days after losing by knockout to Ciryl Gane in his heavyweight MMA debut during the marquee UFC Freedom 250 event that the market-leading combat sports promotion organized in conjunction with the federal government, as it held the show on the South Lawn of The White House, in front of the Trump family, including US President, Donald Trump.

The Brazilian carried an extraordinary resume into the Octagon considering he’s a highly decorated pound-for-pound great, but he was never competitive against Gane, landing just 11 strikes in the opening round, and one in the second. Gane, by contrast, landed 54 from 86 thrown, and finished Pereira early, thanks to punches to the head at range.

While Gane faced the press, alongside the UFC boss Dana White and other White House winners, and hinted at a unification fight versus Tom Aspinall in Paris, later in the year, Pereira has yet to speak publicly — until now.

Amber Searls via Imagn Images

Pereira dissected the fight, and defeat, in a vlog-style video on his official YouTube. “It was a lucky jab, and he took advantage… that was the opportunity of a lifetime for him,” said Pereira, before blasting Bon Gamin for his long history” of “dirty shots, punches to the back of the head.”

He continued: “I brought that up with [the referee, Herb Dean, ahead of time and asked him to keep an eye on it. If you watch the footage, man, multiple shots, multiple elbows [to the back of the head].”

Pereira said as much to the UFC immediately after the shocking loss.

Though Gane and Aspinall appear to be talking up a massive fight between them, for Pereira, there is a feeling his own fight with Gane has an element of unfinished business to it.

Revealing what he told the UFC, Pereria said: “I explained to them about the illegal shots … I said the right thing is an immediate rematch. They asked for some time to get an answer. I’m gonna wait a bit but very soon we will have an answer.”

Amber Searls via Imagn Images

Jones posted immediately on social media, wearing jewelry with a goat around his neck as if to reference he’s the greatest of all time in MMA.

This only confused Pereira further. “I saw the video, to be honest I was very surprised,” he said.

“If I was one of the guys that provoked him, then lose, then I’d understand, but I’ve never spoken bad about Jon Jones.”

Just days after winning their first World Cup match in 36 years, a petition has been launched to strip Scotland of their victory over Haiti.

Steve Clarke’s men got their Group C campaign off to the ideal start in Boston in the early hours of Sunday morning with a 1-0 win, thanks to a goal from Aston Villa’s John McGinn. The deflected strike was hardly a classic and the game itself was pretty scrappy, but none of that mattered to the Tartan Army.

Scotland’s fans celebrated their triumph long into the night, but not everyone was thrilled about the outcome. The game saw a number of controversial moments, including two penalty shouts for Haiti that were ignored by the referee.

Furious fans Demand Action Over Scotland’s Victory

Caean Couto (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

Originally launched by a user in Paris, the change.org petition is demanding “an in-depth review” of the officiating in the match, which was overseen by Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal.

Those behind the campaign cite “several arbitary” decisions that “marred the match” and “profoundly influenced the course of the game and the final result.”

That result was a devastating one for Haiti, who badly needed to get something out of their meeting with Scotland, before they complete their Group C fixtures by facing Brazil and then Morocco.

Speaking after the match, Haiti captain Johny Placide was furious over the standard of officiating in the game. The veteran goalkeeper was especially troubled that his side’s two penalty appeals for Grant Hanley handballs were not overturned by VAR.

Placide declared: “We waited for VAR to intervene, we waited for explanations, but nothing came. “As players, we dedicate our lives to this competition, so naturally we want clarity.”

“Supporters Must Be Heard” States Viral Petition

Haiti and Scotland players via REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Apparently, the more than 150,000 fans to have signed the petition also want that same clarification. In stating their goals for the petition, organisers insisted that Ghorbal and his officiating team be stood down pending an investigation to avoid any other team having to deal with the same ‘situations’.

“We therefore ask FIFA to review the arbitration of this crucial match and to take appropriate measures to prevent such situations from recurring in the future. The voice of the supporters must be heard, because it embodies the hopes and passions of millions of people.”

FIFA have yet to make any official comment on the petition, which continues to attract support. However, it would be unprecedented if the Scots were to be stripped of their victory.

Scotland return to World Cup action on Friday evening, when they play Morocco in Boston. Haiti then play Brazil in Pittsburgh a few hours later.

Manchester United could face significant competition in the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

United have been heavily linked with a move for the 21-year-old in recent months and are still believed to be the frontrunners to sign Fernandes this summer. However, they now appear to have significant competition.

Fernandes caught the eye across Europe with his performances for West Ham last season as the promising midfielder impressed in a poor side that were ultimately relegated from the Premier League. The Portugal international also impressed during the season prior for Southampton, who were also relegated.

It looks as though the Hammers will find it incredibly difficult to keep hold of the midfielder in the Championship, especially when two of the biggest clubs in the world are pursuing a deal.

Real Madrid launch Fernandes enquiry

via Reuters

According to TEAMtalk, Real Madrid have ‘made contact’ and launched an enquiry regarding a potential deal for Fernandes in the last 48 hours.

New Los Blancos manager Jose Mourinho is believed to have a number of top quality midfield targets on his radar and it now appears as though his fellow countryman Fernandes is on that list.

United are still thought to be the frontrunners to land the 21-year-old’s signature this summer but the presence of Real Madrid in the transfer pursuit may have an impact.

Despite relegation to the Championship, West Ham aren’t under pressure to sell and are reportedly demanding a fee in the region of £80million to allow Fernandes to depart after just one season at the London Stadium.

Man United need to seal Fernandes deal

With Champions League football returning to Old Trafford in the upcoming season, United need to bolster their squad, particularly in midfield.

Casemiro has left the Red Devils while Manuel Ugarte has also been linked with an exit. Michael Carrick’s side may also miss out on the signing of Elliot Anderson who has been subject to two rejected bids from Manchester City.

Despite his best season in a United shirt last term, it isn’t realistic to expect Bruno Fernandes to produce another campaign where he produces a record number of 21 assists in the Premier League.

Fernandes can be seen as a long-term figure for the United midfield and would offer much-needed quality and strength in depth going into a busier campaign.

Fernandes has registered 19 goal contributions over the past two seasons for teams that were relegated from the Premier League, making it exciting to consider what the young Portuguese star could produce in a team thriving at the other end of the division and in the Champions League.