Dana White’s Take on Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira: Will It Ever Happen?

The mixed martial arts world is abuzz with speculation about Jon Jones’ next opponent after his dominant victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Despite Jones’ impressive performance, UFC President Dana White has made it clear that a fight between Jones and Alex Pereira is highly unlikely—unless certain conditions are met.

Jon Jones’ Recent Victory and His Future Plans

Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, successfully defended his UFC Heavyweight Championship by defeating Stipe Miocic, a 42-year-old veteran who hadn’t fought in nearly four years. The fight’s outcome was not surprising, with Jones showcasing his superior wrestling skills, especially in the opening round. Following his win, Jones made it clear that he had no plans to retire and was open to giving fans the matchup they’ve long been waiting for.

But the burning question is: Who will Jon Jones fight next? Two names have consistently surfaced: Alex Pereira, the former middleweight champion who has hinted at moving up to heavyweight, and Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, who is quickly gaining recognition for his raw talent.

Dana White’s Stance on a Jones vs. Pereira Fight

Dana White has been outspoken about the possibility of a Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira fight, and his comments have done little to raise expectations among fans hoping to see the bout. According to White, there is “no way” he would organize a fight between Jones and Pereira, primarily due to the significant size difference and Jones’ wrestling advantage.

At a post-fight press conference following UFC 309, White stated, “You know what tonight’s fight told me? There’s no way I’m making the fight with Pereira. Jones is just too big. You saw him wrestle Stipe in round one, right? I love Alex Pereira, personally, but there’s no interest in making that fight.”

White’s reasoning centers around the physical disparity between the two fighters. Pereira, who has been a middleweight for most of his career, would face a huge challenge against Jones, who is not only much bigger but also excels in wrestling—a weakness for Pereira.

Could the Fight Happen if Both Fighters Push for It?

Although Dana White has firmly stated his reluctance to schedule the fight, he hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of a Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira showdown if both fighters actively push for it. White mentioned, “If both of them really want it and push for it, maybe I would consider making the fight. But only if Alex is truly serious about it.”

White acknowledged that he doesn’t see the appeal in putting Pereira in a position where he has to face a much larger and stronger opponent, especially since he is currently succeeding in his own weight class. However, if both fighters are insistent on the matchup, White suggested he would consider the fight.

What About Tom Aspinall?

While a Jones vs. Pereira fight seems unlikely at this time, there’s also the question of Tom Aspinall, the current interim heavyweight champion. Aspinall has quickly made a name for himself and is seen by many fans as a serious threat to Jon Jones’ legacy in the heavyweight division. However, Dana White has downplayed the idea of Aspinall being a top priority for Jones, suggesting that a matchup with him may not happen anytime soon.

Jon Jones has expressed interest in negotiating with Dana White for a contract that reflects the importance of his next fight, but whether Aspinall will be the one to challenge him remains uncertain.

Conclusion

The future of Jon Jones’ next fight remains unclear, with Dana White’s comments leaving fans eagerly awaiting any updates. While a Jones vs. Pereira fight is unlikely due to the size difference and Jones’ wrestling advantage, White has hinted that if both fighters truly want the bout, it could still be considered. As for Tom Aspinall, Jones’ future in the heavyweight division is still up in the air, but it’s clear that UFC matchmaking is taking its time to determine the best move for both the fighters and the fans. For now, MMA enthusiasts will have to wait and see how the story unfolds in the world of UFC matchmaking.