Is Dana White protecting Alex Pereira from Jon Jones?

Blaine Henry

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Publish Date: 11/18/2024

Alex Pereira may be under the Dana White protection program.

After Jon Jones defeated Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, eyes turned to what could be next for “Bones.” But UFC President Dana White has turned down a potential super fight option between he and Pereira.

At the UFC 309 post fight press conference, White distanced expectations of a hypothetical Jones vs. Pereira. The question now turns to whether White is protecting Alex Pereira, and why?

Is Dana White shielding Alex Pereira?

With Alex Pereira being the reigning light heavyweight champion and Jon Jones being the heavyweight champ and the former light heavyweight champion, it may seem like a showdown between the two is inevitable. Dana White doesn’t see things that way.

“You know what tonight told me? There’s no f--ing way I make the [Jones] vs. Pereira fight. Jon’s too big. Great wrestler. See how he took Stipe [Miocic] down in the first round? I like Alex Pereira, I like him personally. It’s just doesn’t make sense to make that fight.”

Talk about confidence from the boss! Alex Pereira is the hottest thing the UFC has going for them at the moment and Dana White is not letting him take the challenges that he’s hinted at before. But, as was said in the hit 1994 film, Dumb and Dumber, you’re saying there’s a chance.

“If they both want it bad enough and they’re both f--ing hounding me or something, maybe I would do it.”

Dana White Post-Fight Press Conference | UFC 309

Jon Jones is still the king

Usually what Jon Jones wants, Jon Jones gets. The UFC’s moved mountains so he could still fight. Even this past weekend, the promotion opted to go with the old style gloves seemingly at Jones’ request. Jones has also spent all week talking about how he didn’t want to fight Tom Aspinall and was, instead, eyeing Alex Pereira.

In Jones’ defense, Pereira has gone on record to say he wants to try his hand at heavyweight after his win at UFC 300. The world seemed to be incredibly excited about the thought as well.

But with Jon Jones, someone who many think is the greatest of all time, calls Pereira’s name, the interim title won’t cut it. The king comes calling, the challenge has been thrown down. Dana White is protecting Alex Pereira right now. But money talks…