The debate over the best pound-for-pound fighter in MMA saw Dana White acknowledge Islam Makhachev’s claim to the top spot over Jon Jones in January. However, White hinted this could change again after UFC 313.
Alex Pereira is set to defend his light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC 313 main event. Since capturing the title in 2024 with a knockout, Pereira has secured three more finishes. Another dominant victory over Ankalaev could propel him to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings.
“He’s one of the biggest stars, maybe the biggest star in the sport right now,” White commented on Pereira on First Take. “This weekend is exciting because Ankalaev is a real threat, possibly his toughest opponent yet. His team believes in his takedown defense, which is still somewhat unknown to fans. We’ll see how good it truly is this weekend.”
White continued, “This is a challenging fight for Alex. If Alex wins in his usual dominant fashion, he might just become the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world.”
Currently ranked No. 2 behind Makhachev in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, Pereira has a strong chance to take the number one position with a spectacular performance.
Ankalaev has long been regarded as a top light heavyweight contender, and a fight with Pereira has been anticipated for some time.
This fight marks Pereira’s fifth consecutive main event and his seventh headline appearance since joining the UFC in 2021.
White praised Pereira’s swift rise in the UFC and his exciting fighting style that consistently entertains fans. He emphasized Pereira’s willingness to face any opponent, even at heavyweight.
“Alex is our guy right now,” White stated. “People love his fighting style – he goes for the knockout. He’s always exciting. Recently, he even cut short a vacation in Australia to take a fight on short notice. He’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime.”
“He’s all about violence in the cage, always aiming for the knockout. He doesn’t avoid challenges, moved up in weight, and is even open to fighting at heavyweight against anyone.”
Pereira has expressed interest in a potential champion versus champion fight against heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Jones has also shown interest, and while White has been hesitant about this matchup before, he didn’t dismiss it entirely on Wednesday.
“He’s willing to fight Jon Jones, he’s willing to fight anybody,” White said about Pereira.
“Jones will fight anyone too. Don’t believe everything you read online about Jon Jones. He does want to fight Alex Pereira.”
White mentioned he’s aiming for Jones’ return “this summer,” though a heavyweight title unification fight against Tom Aspinall is considered more likely than a fight with Pereira. However, if Pereira decisively defeats Ankalaev and calls out Jones again, anything is possible.
