UFC CEO Dana White isn't inclined to schedule new fights so soon after an event ends, but his ears are literally inundated with pleas and requests to make heavyweight bout Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira the next blockbuster unification title fight.
UFC 303: Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka 2 live results and highlights
Pereira defended his light heavyweight title at UFC 303, knocking out Jiri Prochazka in the second round and appearing to leave his mark on the franchise.
During the UFC 303 post-fight press conference, White doubled down on his previous reaction and seemed intrigued by the idea of the bout: As he left the Octagon with Pereira's belt wrapped around him, White said new rumors had started.
“I was on stage with the belt on and the whole time I was on stage I had Joe Rogan's voice in my ear saying, 'Let him fight at heavyweight. Come on.'”
– UFC CEO Dana White
It remains to be seen whether White will pull the trigger on the bout, but he said he is well aware the fight will generate interest and curiosity from fans. Pereira has held titles in two different weight classes (middleweight and light heavyweight), while Jones has never lost in UFC except for a disqualification in December 2009.
“I know that's what people want to see.”
– UFC CEO Dana White
For years, the UFC was opposed to super fights and the idea of fighters holding multiple belts at different weight classes, but for reasons unknown, Conor McGregor's 2016 lightweight championship change the organization's stance and made it the norm.
UFC 303 News: Alex Pereira Outlasts Jiri Prochazka in Last-Minute Main Event
Pereira is open to the idea. Jones hasn't tweeted since June 21, so it remains to be seen how this potential bout will proceed, but the moves are underway for Pereira to become the first fighter in professional wrestling history to hold belts in three weight classes.
For now, only time will tell, as Pereira helped UFC achieve the fourth-highest attendance in the sport’s history.
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