Dana White breaks his silence and gives his opinion on a possible fight between Jon Jones and Alex Poatan

Dana White at a UFC press conference (Photo: Reproduction/YouTube)

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Jon Jones barely had time to celebrate his title defense and the MMA world already wants to know his next move. The heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg) knocked out Stipe Miocic No. UFC 309, held last Saturday (16), and, still in the octagon, he was asked who his next challenger would be. 'Bones' aims to take on Alex Poatan, but despite the champion's interest, Dana White sees no point in the confrontation.

At the post-fight press conference, Dana reinforced his reasons for being against Jones' challenge to Poatan. He highlighted the Brazilian's current situation in his category and 'Bones's' skills, which are not a match for the light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg). White stated that the only way to be convinced to change his mind would be persistent pressure from fighters Jones and Pereira, forcing him to accept the fight.

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“You know what I said to myself tonight? There’s no way I’m going to take that fight. Jon is too big. He’s a great wrestler. Did you see how he knocked Stipe down in the first round? I like Alex Pereira. It just doesn’t make sense to take that fight… If they both want it bad enough and keep pushing me, maybe I’ll do it. But Alex Pereira is doing really well. Look at his age and what he’s doing now, what’s the point in going up and fighting a guy who’s so much bigger than you and a great wrestler? I want Pereira to stay where he is and keep doing what he does and dominate the street. But then again, if they get mad at me and want to do it, what am I going to do? These are grown men and I’m sure the fans want to see it, I’m sure you want to see it, I think we’ll talk about it,” said Dana White.

Alex Poatán He won the light heavyweight title in November 2023 and, a year later, accumulated three defenses, all by knockout. Jon Jones, in turn, became heavyweight champion by submitting Cyril Gane and defended his title only once, against Stipe Miocic.