Jon Jones says Dana White Is likely going to block Alex Pereira fight.
Jon Jones has poured cold water on the idea of a long-talked-about superfight with Alex Pereira, saying he does not believe UFC president Dana White will approve the matchup, even though both fighters are interested.
Jon Jones who had one of the shortest retirements in history after he called it a career this past June and then walked back that decision just days later after learning the UFC was planning to hold a historic event at the White House this coming June has revealed growing skepticism about a potential superfight with current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and he believes the fight won’t take place because UFC President Dana White simply won’t approve it.
Speaking in a recent interview, Jones explained that while Pereira has publicly expressed his desire to fight him, the final decision lies with the UFC, and he feels the promotion’s boss may not be willing to take the risk.
“Pereira wants to fight me but I don’t think Dana White’s going to allow that to happen,” Jones told Red Corner MMA. “It will be interesting to see what Dana wants.”
The potential clash between Jones, and Pereira, one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport and a former two-division champion, has excited fans. On paper, it is a blockbuster matchup that would attract massive attention and pay-per-view sales.
However, Jones believes White may be hesitant because of the history surrounding his career.
Over the years, Jones has dealt with suspensions, legal issues, and last-minute fight cancellations, which have at times complicated major UFC plans. With the promotion now focusing on stable, reliable headliners for its biggest events, Jones feels this could work against him when it comes to securing a high-risk, high-profile superfight. Dana White has also previously stated that he prefers to make fights that make sense within the division’s title picture, rather than purely for spectacle. From that perspective, the UFC may choose to keep Pereira focused on defending his belt against top light heavyweight contenders, while Jones remains in the heavyweight division.
Despite this, fan interest in the matchup remains strong. Pereira has openly spoken about testing himself against Jones and many see the contest as a meeting of two generational talents from different weight classes.
For now, though, Jones is realistic about the situation. Even if both fighters want it, the UFC’s approval is the deciding factor and in his view, that approval may never come.
As the heavyweight champion waits for clarity on his next move, it’s certain that the dream fight with Alex Pereira may stay exactly that a dream unless the UFC leaders decides the reward is worth the risk.
