Dana White gives green signal to Alex Pereira’s dream Jon Jones fights; lays down blueprint

Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones superfight at heavyweight could happen, but one thing has to happen first, says Dana White.

Dana White gives green signal to Alex Pereira’s dream Jon Jones fights; lays down blueprint

Dana White confirms Alex Pereira's potential fight with Jon Jones (via Imago/X)

Alex Pereira is currently one of the biggest stars on the UFC roster and holds the light heavyweight championship. The Brazilian fighter has also shown in potentially moving up and fighting Jon Jones for the heavyweight title. While there were few reservations among fight fans and experts, Dana White has now given a new update on the situation.

White has previously made it clear that he is focused on making the much anticipated Jones vs. Tom Aspinall heavyweight title unification bout. There has been no official announcement, but White believes that Jones will fight this summer. While talking about Pereira, the CEO reveals that the Brazilian does have a great opportunity to potentially move up. 

He wants to [fight Jon Jones]. Let’s see how this fight plays out, if he wins, how he wins, all that kind of stuff….I think that the fight that everybody wants to see right now is Jones and Aspinall and then there’s no doubt that Pereira could fight the winner.

Dana White via The Jim Rome Show 
YouTube video

Tom Aspinall is eagerly waiting for the title shot, and recently claimed that the delay is happening from Jones’ side. Fight fans are furious and don’t want the British fighter to waste his prime years. There are theories regarding Aspinall potentially fighting Pereira, which could be a banger fight. 

Dana White has often mentioned the star power of Pereira and his pay-per-view capabilities. The Brazilian fighter has been part of some of the biggest events in recent times and remains active all the time. He is a true company man who is ready to fight and save cards whenever White wants. For now, he needs to save his championship title this weekend. 

UFC veteran predicts Alex Pereira’s next fight 

Alex Pereira is currently scheduled to fight top light heavyweight challenger Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313. It will be his fourth title defense, and fans are hyped about it. The Russian is believed to be the biggest threat to Pereira, and has the capabilities to pull off an upset. 

Alex Pereira will defend his title at UFC 313
Alex Pereira will defend his title at UFC 313 (via X)

Pereira has yet to be tested by a top wrestler who could take him to the ground instead of striking. The Brazilian has the touch of death, but lacks the ability to control his opponents on the ground. However, all these factors don’t seem to affect his chances to win and Robert Whittaker is well aware of that. 

I’m gonna go Pereira. Like I said, if Ankalaev doesn’t like drop level with him within like the first three minutes, I don’t think he makes it out of the first round. I don’t want to be striking with that guy, period. He hits like a truck. He’s very comfortable and confident like standing. So, yeah, you have to get him on his back in that first round.

Robert Whittaker via MMArcade

Pereira has confirmed that he has worked on his ground game through the training camp. Ahead of the fight, both fighters have already exchanged few online jibes which has raised the anticipation. It would be interesting if ‘Poatan’ comes out of UFC 313 with his belt.

Related: Is Alex Pereira Muslim? What religion does the Brazilian UFC champion follow?