Dream matchups often spark fan frenzy in mixed martial arts circles. This happened recently when UFC CEO Dana White dropped a bombshell. As opposed to his initial reaction to the suggestion, White has now displayed interest in putting on a clash between light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and heavyweight king Jon Jones.
Pereira’s recent victory at UFC 303 ended with many fans clamoring for the Brazilian to make his way to the heavyweight division and earn a third UFC title over the course of his relatively young MMA career.
Pereira’s devastating head-kick knockout of Jiri Prochazka left spectators in awe. In a recent appearance on NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal’s podcast, White acknowledged his growing interest in seeing Pereira test his mettle against heavyweight practitioners.
White said:
“It’s possible. [Joe] Rogan has been pushing me right now to try to make that fight.”
Dana White via The Big Podcast
However, the UFC frontman was quick to temper expectations with a dose of reality. He reminded everyone of Jon Jones’ legendary status in the sport. White’s comments highlighted the monumental challenge Pereira would face moving up to the “baddest” division.
Meanwhile, Jones is expected to take on Stipe Miocic on his return to the octagon. Jones last fought against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March of 2023. Alex Pereira, meanwhile, just fought at UFC 303.
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Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira eyes heavyweight title
UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is hungry for more. The Brazilian knockout artist isn’t content with just one belt around his waist. Pereira laid out his ambitious plans for the future. He’s eyeing a move to heavyweight, but not just for any fight.
Pereira made his intentions clear in a recent YouTube video on his channel. He revealed that he wanted to get a straight shot at the heavyweight title without fighting anyone else. ‘Poatan’ believes that he deserves the fight, given his dominance in the UFC.
“I’m 37, so I have to go directly to the top, directly to the belt. If it’s Jon Jones if it’s [Tom] Aspinall, whoever, to me, it doesn’t matter. I have to get straight to the point. I have to get straight to the belt.”
Alex Pereira via Alex Poatan Pereira YT
When it comes to potential heavyweight opponents, two names stand out: Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. Pereira isn’t picky about which one he faces, as long as it’s for the undisputed title. This stance puts a damper on a potential Aspinall matchup for now.
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