Despite Saving Dana White’s UFC 303, Alex Pereira Gets a Humbling Reality Check From CEO With Jon Jones Warning

UFC CEO Dana White has made a startling confession about Alex Pereira’s chances against Jon Jones! ‘Poatan’ recently stepped up on short notice to save the UFC 303 card after Conor McGregor’s withdrawal had caused an uproar amongst the MMA fandom. As such, the Brazilian agreed to defend his light-heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka in a rematch on June 29. In a post on social media, Pereira explained his decision by revealing, “This is why I am one of the biggest names in the UFC Alex Pereira!!! I take risks that not one other person would be willing to take…”

Jon Jones, the current undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, had also indicated his interest in facing Pereira in a series of posts on social media. But according to Dana White, while Pereira’s accomplishments and skills are incredible, he believes that the Brazilian doesn’t have what it takes to measure up to Jon Jones inside the Octagon.

Dana White claims Jon Jones “walks through everybody” including Alex Pereira  

During his conversation with Shannon Sharpe on ‘Club Shay Shay’, Sharpe initiated the discussion with Dana White by mentioning Jon Jones’ interest in fighting Pereira. He stated, “Jon says he would like to fight Pereira, give him an opportunity to be a 3-division champ, something that’s never been done in the UFC.” 

Sharpe also noted that Daniel Cormier, former UFC ‘champ-champ’, saw the appeal in this fight but believed a bout with the interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall would be more fitting and asked White for his opinion on the matter.

The UFC boss responded in his trademark straightforward manner by stating, “First of all, he has to fight Stipe, that fight has to happen. And I don’t disagree with DC, the next fight, should be Aspinall. Most of the people that cover this sport, know nothing about the sport.”

According to White, many in the sport underestimate the significance of these matchups. “If Jon Jones beats Stipe, then Aspinall, it’s just, he’s gonna come out and fight Stipe and the fact that he could fight Aspinall, it’s unbelievable,” he stated, adding that Jones’ true value might not be recognized until he retires.

Sharpe then brought up Pereira’s impressive punching power, hinting at the potential excitement such a fight could generate. However, White remained resolute in his opinion. “Pereira is amazing,” he acknowledged, but quickly added, “I think Jon Jones walks through everybody man.”

White’s comments reflect the fact that despite Pereira’s accomplishments in the UFC, the boss does not see him as a significant threat to Jones. However, it’s not just Dana White who feels this way as a former UFC veteran has also made a similar observation about ‘Poatan’s chances against ‘Bones’!

 ‘Funky’ thinks Pereira might face the same fate as Ciryl Gane if he fights ‘Bones’

UFC veteran and accomplished wrestler, Ben Askren recently shared his thoughts on Alex Pereira’s aspirations to challenge Jon Jones for the undisputed heavyweight title. Speaking on an episode of ‘Funky & Champ’, Askren highlighted Jones’s superior wrestling skills as a significant challenge for Pereira.

Askren stated, “People want to see him have the ability to stop takedowns, because if you can’t stop takedowns [from] Jon Jones, he’s going to take you down and submit you.” ‘Funky’ further pointed out ‘Poatan’s past fights as evidence that his takedown defense hasn’t been tested to the limit in his UFC run so far.

As such, Askren continued, “[Pereira] has still not fought a wrestler. So we still have all of these questions. So if he fights Jon Jones, I think there’s a chance it’s over in like two and a half minutes.” He also highlighted Jones’s win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in 2023 as an example of ‘Bones’s ability to take down and submit his opponents at will.

Ultimately, while Pereira’s achievements and boldness in taking on high-stakes fights are commendable, the consensus among key figures in the MMA community is clear. Both Dana White and Ben Askren see Jon Jones as a formidable opponent whose wrestling and overall fight skills pose a significant challenge for Alex Pereira.  What are your thoughts on Alex Pereira’s chances in a heavyweight clash against Jon Jones? Share them with us in the comments below!