The Greatest Pound-for-Pound Debate: Dana White’s Shifting Opinions
When it comes to the often contentious and subjective debate about who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, UFC President Dana White has had his fair share of changing minds. In January, White finally conceded that Islam Makhachev had surpassed Jon Jones in the mythical rankings, a significant shift from his previous stance. However, with UFC 313 on the horizon, his opinion might be about to change once again. On Saturday night, Alex Pereira will return to action to defend his light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev in the main event. If Pereira can add another devastating finish to his already impressive record, he may very well take over the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings.
Alex Pereira: The Rising Star at Light Heavyweight
Since capturing the light heavyweight title with a knockout victory in 2024, Alex Pereira has been nothing short of stellar. His reign as champion has been marked by three more dramatic and decisive finishes, solidifying his position as a dominant force in the division. Dana White’s enthusiasm for Pereira is palpable, and he describes him as "one of the biggest stars in the sport right now, if not the biggest star." This weekend’s fight against Ankalaev, however, is a significant test. White believes that Ankalaev poses the most serious threat to Pereira yet, and that the match will truly showcase Pereira’s skills, particularly his takedown defense, which has been a subject of much discussion within his camp. "This is a tough fight for Alex, but if he comes out of this the way he’s come out of every other fight, he might be the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world," White said on First Take.
The Threat of Magomed Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev has long been considered one of the elite light heavyweights in the UFC. Known for his stringent ground game and excellent striking, Ankalaev has consistently impressed in his bouts and has been a top contender in the division. The matchup with Pereira has been a long time coming, but due to various timing and scheduling issues, it has only now been finalized. Ankalaev’s record and reputation make him a formidable opponent, and his ability to test Pereira’s takedown defense and overall versatility will be crucial. This fight serves as Pereira’s fifth straight main event and his seventh overall since joining the UFC roster in 2021, highlighting his rapid rise and the trust the UFC has placed in him to headline events.
Dana White’s Praise for Alex Pereira
Dana White’s admiration for Alex Pereira is evident in his comments. White not only praises Pereira’s fighting style, which is characterized by its aggressive and violent nature, but also his dedication and willingness to take on any challenge. Pereira’s willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, and at any time is a trait that sets him apart. White recounted a notable instance when Pereira was on vacation in Australia and a fight fell through at the last minute. Pereira left his holiday to step in and compete, a testament to his professionalism and commitment. "Alex is that guy for us right now. The thing that people love about Alex is obviously his fighting style. He tries to knock your head off. People love that," White said, emphasizing the fighter’s popularity and dynamic presence in the octagon.
The Heavyweight Horizon
While Pereira has established himself as a dominant light heavyweight champion, he has also expressed a keen interest in moving up to heavyweight and challenging Jon Jones in a champion versus champion fight. Jones, who has recently moved to the heavyweight division, has reciprocated the interest, and White acknowledged this mutual desire. "Alex is willing to fight [Jon Jones]. He’s willing to fight anybody right now," White stated. However, the UFC’s current plans for Jones’s return, tentatively set for "this summer," lean more towards a heavyweight title unification bout against Tom Aspinall. Despite this, the potential for a Jones-Pereira superfight remains tantalizing, especially if Pereira continues his winning streak and once again calls out Jones after his bout with Ankalaev.
The Future is Uncertain but Exciting
The MMA world is abuzz with anticipation for UFC 313 and the main event between Pereira and Ankalaev. If Pereira can come out victorious and continue his streak of knockouts, he could cement his place as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The possibility of a future superfight with Jones adds another layer of excitement to his career trajectory. Dana White’s comments highlight the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of MMA, where a single performance can dramatically alter perceptions and rankings. Whether Pereira or Makhachev emerges as the top pound-for-pound fighter, or if Jones’s return creates a new narrative, one thing is certain: the sport is in a golden age with a wealth of talent and thrilling matchups on the horizon.
