Alex Pereira’s knockout victory over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 opened discussions about a potential matchup against Jon Jones. Dana White, who was hesitant about Pereira moving to heavyweight, even had a change of heart.
When Pereira knocked out Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, the MMA community pestered White to let the Brazilian move to heavyweight. After UFC 303, White revealed commentator Joe Rogan had done the same, hoping to see the first three-division UFC champion.
Pereira’s Heavyweight Move Not Imminent, Says Dana White
After Conor McGregor’s withdrawal from UFC 303 due to injury, Pereira stepped up on short notice to headline the PPV against Jiri Prochazka. With three light heavyweight title fights in seven months ending via knockout in his favor, the Brazilian looks poised for a heavyweight move.
As expected, Dana White was asked about Pereira’s heavyweight move at the UFC 303 post-fight press conference. Interestingly, the UFC CEO responded honestly to Pereira potentially fighting Jon Jones next.
“If he cleaned out the division and we were like. There’s literally no one for this guy to fight And he’s 37. If he wants to move up to heavyweight, we will let him,” said White, who also stated that was not the situation at the time.
Moreover, White revealed that Pereira is not as huge a light heavyweight as people claim to be. He cited examples of Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin being similar in size to Pereira. Furthermore, he warned about the huge weight advantage of actual heavyweight fighters.
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All signs now point to the Brazilian’s next matchup against Magomed Ankalev, the second-ranked light heavyweight. The Russian is the only fighter in the top 5 coming off a victory and is the closest fighter to a wrestler. Moreover, he has already opened as a betting favorite over the champion.
