Dana White Turns Down Alex Pereira’s Wish to Fight Heavyweight Superstars

UFC CEO Dana White undermined Alex Pereira's plans to move up to the heavyweight division after an impressive UFC 320 performance.

Dana White Turns Down Alex Pereira’s Wish to Fight Heavyweight Superstars

Dana White does not want Alex Pereira to move up to heavyweight (via Bloody Elbow, MMA Fighting, Reddit)

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The landscape of mixed martial arts continues to evolve as fighters consider moves across divisions, aiming to test themselves against new challenges and opponents. Shifts in weight classes can have a major impact on both a fighter’s career trajectory and the competitive dynamics within a promotion. One such instance occurred after UFC CEO Dana White declined Alex Pereira‘s wish to move to heavyweight.

Pereira recently put on a vintage performance against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320. ‘Poatan’ had lost the light heavyweight championship to Ankalaev at UFC 313 earlier this year. However, he quickly regained momentum at UFC 320 and knocked out the Russian in the first round of their much-anticipated rematch to win back championship gold.

The decisive finish not only reversed the outcome of their previous fight but also reinforced Pereira’s standing within his division. The Brazilian star moved up from the middleweight division and won the vacant light heavyweight title by knocking out Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295 in 2023. However, he has been vocal about his wish to move up to the heavyweight division, which White refuted.

I went over to the PI, and he was there at the PI, and I was like, you were the last guy I expected to see here today. What are you doing here? They’re telling me we want to fight at heavyweight. I said, ‘How about we win tonight, focus on tonight, then we can talk about heavyweight.’ I don’t know. There’s still fights here in this division. But we’ll see.

Dana White via UFC 320 post fight presser

Pereira also seemed like he was going to call out former heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones in his post-fight interview. Instead, ‘Poatan’ held a moment of silence out of respect for the passing of Jones’ brother and former NFL star Arthur Jones. Nevertheless, Pereira’s comments to fight at heavyweight seem to stem from his online back-and-forth with Jones, which never materialized.

White’s comments reflected the current state of the 205-pound division as he believed that Pereira still has duties to fulfil at light heavyweight. Two fighters deserve the title shot, including Carlos Ulberg, who called for one after his recent impressive knockout win over Dominick Reyes. Prochazka, who seemed emotional while in attendance, revealed that a third fight against Pereira may be a possibility.

As attention shifts to upcoming UFC events, Alex Pereira’s next steps, whether continuing in his current division or moving up to heavyweight, will be closely observed. His recent win against Magomed Ankalaev strengthened his position within the sport, and the choices ahead will shape both his career legacy and the competitive landscape of the UFC.

Alex Pereira reveals super fight implications at heavyweight

The discussion surrounding Alex Pereira’s future in the UFC continues to grow following his dominant win at UFC 320. Having avenged his earlier loss to Magomed Ankalaev, Pereira now finds himself at the center of speculation regarding his next potential opponent. With multiple divisions open for opportunity, his next move is expected to play a significant role in shaping the promotion’s upcoming plans.

Alex Pereira wants to fight Jon Jones at heavyweight in a superfight
Alex Pereira wants to fight Jon Jones at heavyweight in a superfight (via Bloody Elbow, Reddit)

The Brazilian champion was seen speaking with UFC veteran Chris Weidman about his future. Despite available options within his division, Pereira has reportedly expressed disinterest in facing the winner of the upcoming heavyweight clash between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. Instead, attention has shifted toward the idea of a potential superfight involving Jon Jones at the 2026 UFC White House event.

I want a superfight. It would be at the White House against Jon Jones. That’s a superfight.

Alex Pereira via UFC

If the proposed bout were to materialize, it would likely become one of the biggest events in modern mixed martial arts. Both fighters bring contrasting skill sets, fan appeal, and championship credentials that could elevate the contest’s global reach. While the fight remains speculative, its possibility underscores Alex Pereira’s growing ambition to pursue legacy-defining challenges beyond divisional boundaries.

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