Dana White claims Alex Pereira will surpass Jon Jones as UFC’s greatest
UFC president Dana White believes Alex Pereira will surpass Jon Jones as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time if he defeats Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title at the White House on 14 June.
The Brazilian takes on his French opponent at UFC Freedom 250 in a bid to become the promotion’s first-ever three-weight world champion.
A victory would secure the interim heavyweight crown, adding to his previous reigns at middleweight and light-heavyweight.
White has historically championed current heavyweight king Jones as the absolute pinnacle of the sport.
However, the prominent executive admits a historic third divisional title would elevate the former kickboxer to unprecedented heights.
“If he wins the third world title that night, he jumps over Jon Jones and becomes the greatest of all time,” White told Forbes.
Meteoric rise and historic ambitions
The 36-year-old’s ascent through the mixed martial arts ranks has been nothing short of extraordinary since his transition from GLORY Kickboxing in 2021.
He claimed middleweight gold by dethroning long-time rival Israel Adesanya in 2022, before successfully conquering the 205-pound division.
The South American striker recently vacated his light-heavyweight strap specifically to facilitate this ambitious pursuit of heavyweight history.
Standing in his way is top contender Gane, who boasts a formidable professional record of 13 victories and just two defeats.
A potential showdown with Jones
Speculation remains rife regarding a fantasy bout between the two men currently vying for the ultimate legacy.
American legend Jones, who holds the promotion’s all-time record of 16 title fight victories, formally announced his retirement in 2025.
Yet the veteran immediately teased a sensational comeback exclusively for a blockbuster clash against the Brazilian powerhouse.
The victor of the June contest is also slated to unify the division against undisputed heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.
However, the British fighter remains sidelined following severe eye injuries sustained in his previous title defence.
Furthermore, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who manages the English champion, is reportedly seeking to renegotiate his client’s contract before any unification bout materialises.