Jon Jones‘ dominant victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 has led UFC CEO Dana White to dismiss the possibility of a fight between Jones and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, despite both fighters’ interest, citing size and wrestling advantages as reasons against the matchup.
Jon Jones put on an incredible show at UFC 309. His performance was so dominant that it might’ve cost him the matchup he really wanted next.
In his first title defense as heavyweight champ, Jones took apart Stipe Miocic over three rounds. Then, he finished with a brutal spinning back kick to the body. Grappling, striking—Jones dominated every aspect. Many already consider him the GOAT.
Watching Jones dismantle Miocic convinced UFC CEO Dana White of one thing. A fight against current light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira? Not happening. It’s what Jones wants, but White isn’t buying it.
“You know what tonight told me?” White said at the post-fight presser. “There’s no f*cking way I make the Pereira fight. Jon’s too big.”
“[Jon is a] great wrestler,” White continued. “Did you see how he took Stipe down in that first round? I like Alex Pereira. I just don’t see the point in making that fight.”
Before UFC 309, White was already hesitant about booking Jones vs. Pereira. Both fighters are interested, but for White, it’s a no-go.
White even said he’d consider the fight only if Jones beat interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall first. This time around, Aspinall wasn’t mentioned, but White’s stance seems unchanged.
Still, White admits there’s a slim chance he could change his mind. If both fighters are relentless about it, he might have to reconsider.
He just wouldn’t feel good about it.
“If they both want it bad enough and they’re both f*cking hounding me or something, maybe I would do it,” White said. “But why should Pereira fight someone so much bigger and such a good wrestler? Money? Sure, but I don’t want to make that kind of money.”
“But again,” he added, “if they go crazy on me and they want to do it, what am I going to do? They’re grown ass men and I’m sure the fans want to see it.”