UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira Eyes Heavyweight Move Amid Dana White Reservations

Alex Pereira recently reclaimed the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 320 by defeating Magomed Ankalaev and has expressed a strong desire to move up to the heavyweight division to pursue a superfight, specifically targeting Jon Jones. Despite Pereira's ambitions to become the UFC's first three-division champion, UFC President Dana White remains hesitant about the move, citing concerns over Pereira jumping two weight classes from middleweight to heavyweight and the existence of compelling matchups still available at light heavyweight. Pereira, 38, has downplayed potential fights against top contenders like Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg, prioritizing a high-profile heavyweight bout instead. White acknowledges Pereira's exceptional talent but questions the timing and rationale behind the heavyweight jump unless Pereira is considering retirement. Pereira also recently sustained a toe injury during his UFC 320 fight, which White noted could be a break or dislocation. The prospect of a superfight between Pereira and Jon Jones, a former two-division champion and widely regarded as one of the greatest UFC fighters, has generated significant buzz, though logistical and career considerations make such a matchup uncertain.