Days after Dana White passionately defended Jon Jones, Islam Makhachev and Alex Pereira rank higher in the P4P list

Jon Jones is Dana White‘s top pick amidst the fighters in his promotion. However, UFC stats say otherwise. UFC 303 star Alex Pereira has surpassed Jon Jones on the UFC’s pound-for-pound list. This happened just days after White exploded at a reporter for questioning the heavyweight champ’s position on the rankings.

UFC 303 was a complicated event. After countless changes to the fight card, Alex Pereira stepped in to headline the main event. The light heavyweight champion stepped in on Conor McGregor‘s stead because ‘The Notorious’ pulled out right before the media day citing injury. Taking over a hyped-up event, ‘Poatan’ delivered an incredible performance in the main event alongside Jiri Prochazka.

The two fighters stepped in for their rematch on two week’s notice. Alex Pereira delivered a brutal head kick in the second round that knocked the lights out of Jiri Prochazka. With that electric performance, ‘Poatan’ delivered one of UFC’s top four revenue gates. His adaptability and preparation were rewarded. Pereira shot up the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, right past Jon Jones to claim the #2 position, just below Islam Makhachev.

This was right before Dana White argued at the post-fight press conference that Jon Jones is the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the entire world. White argued that ‘Bones’ was inactive not by choice, but because of injury. One thing that can settle this debate for good is a one-on-one showdown in the octagon. Interestingly, both fighters are ready to make it happen.

Jon Jones has conditions for fighting Alex Pereira

A prospective fight between Jon Jones and Alex Pereira has been in discussion for a while now. Different people have different opinions, but what everybody agrees is that it would be a fight worth the watch. Interestingly, both fighters wish to make this fight happen too.

Jon Jones on fighting Alex Pereira (Image via Imago)

Alex Pereira’s most recent statement on fighting Jon Jones was right after he knocked out Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303. At the post-fight interview, he was asked about a prospective fight with Jones. ‘Poatan’ replied that if that is the fight the fans wish to see, he would make it happen soon. Meanwhile, ‘Bones addressed this matchup too with a tweet on X.

Jones wrote that he would fight Pereira after he beat Stipe Miocic. However, he has a condition. As per the tweet, Bones would give the Brazilian a chance, but only if he beats Tom Aspinall. If Alex Pereira beats Jon Jones, he will become the first-ever three-division champion in UFC history. However, ‘Bones’ is not worried as he believes it would be an easy night for him because he would simply choke ‘Poatan’ out.

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