Alex Pereira could go for a history-making third UFC title sooner rather than later.
Following his sensational second-round head-kick KO of Jiri Prochazka in Las Vegas last month, the world—and more specifically Joe Rogan—has been chomping at the bit to see what ‘Poatan’ can do in the land of the giants. Dana White, who had previously dismissed the notion, seemingly became open to the idea of Pereira moving up for a second time after already conquering both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.
He echoed a similar sentiment during a recent conversation with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. However, the UFC CEO did offer a word of warning to those itching to see Pereira challenge the promotion’s reigning undisputed heavyweight king, Jon ‘Bones’ Jones.
“It’s a possibility,” White said of Pereira moving to heavyweight on The Big Podcast. “[Joe] Rogan has been pushing me right now to try to make that fight.
“It’s just, guys, let me explain something to you. Jon Jones is a whole other level. Jon Jones is—I consider Jon Jones the greatest combat fighter of all time. When you talk about the [Muhammad] Ali’s and the this and the that. Let me tell you what, I got Ali’s picture hung everywhere. I love Muhammad Ali. I love Mike Tyson. Jon Jones is the nastiest dude ever in history.”
Dana White said Joe Rogan is pushing for Jon Jones vs Alex Pereira and it’s a possibility 😳 pic.twitter.com/sRLJdSm7bO
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) July 18, 2024
If Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones Happens, Where Does That Leave Tom Aspinall?
Jones himself argued that a fight with Pereira could be the biggest bout in UFC history. But first, ‘Bones’ is expected to put his gold up for grabs in a long-awaited clash with two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic later this year.
Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall is set to become the first fighter in more than a decade to defend an interim belt as he puts his temporary heavyweight title on the line against the only man to hand him a loss inside the Octagon, Curtis Blaydes. Their rematch will go down on Saturday, July 27 when the promotion heads back to Manchester for UFC 304.
Presumably, Aspinall would unify his interim title with whoever comes out on top between Jones and Miocic, but if the promotion decides to pull the trigger on ‘Bones’ vs. Pereira, it could leave the UK fan favorite sitting on the sidelines.
Watch the full podcast episode below:
