Alexander Volkanovski supports Alex Pereira’s campaign against illegal strikes

Alexander Volkanovski publicly supported Alex Pereira's call for stricter referee accountability after Pereira's interim heavyweight title loss to Ciryl Gane, citing concerns over illegal strikes. In post-fight commentary, Alexander Volkanovski said Herb Dean should have issued stronger warnings as Gane hit the back of Alex Pereira's head. The discussion follows the UFC White House bout in which Pereira alleged repeated back-of-the-head shots during second-round ground exchanges. Volkanovski said he was not attacking individuals but urged clearer officiating on the rule. Herb Dean later released a video defending his interpretation, noting only blows to the Mohawk region constitute illegal strikes.