Dana White not keen on Alex Pereira potentially competing in boxing fights: "I want everybody to stay in their own lane"
UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has expressed his desire to compete in boxing, but UFC president Dana White is not keen on the idea.
Pereira has been a dominant force in the light heavyweight division. He recently defended his title against Jiri Prochazka and is set to face Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307.
In an interview with Kevin Iole, Pereira revealed that he has been sparring with the best heavyweight boxer in Brazil and is eager to make a transition to the sport. He also expressed his hope to be part of Dana White's new boxing promotion, which is set to launch in 2025.
However, White has been vocal about his opposition to cross-over fights between MMA and boxing. In an interview with Kevin Iole, the UFC CEO said:
“I don’t know, I’m not even thinking about that kind of stuff. I’m not thinking about cross-over fights, I hate cross-over fights. I respect the fact that [Alex] wants to do it… but I want everybody to stay in their own lane.”
Check out Dana White's comments below (13:09):
Alex Pereira shares his opinion on UFC not giving a title shot to Magomed Ankalaev
Alex Pereira has responded on UFC’s choice to ignore the top-ranked contender, Magomed Ankalaev, and instead give Khalil Rountree Jr. a shot at the title at UFC 307.
Ankalaev expressed his disappointment over not receiving the title opportunity, given his impressive record in the UFC. This sentiment was echoed by many in the MMA community, including UFC commentator Joe Rogan and manager Ali Abdelaziz.
Pereira, however, defended the UFC's decision in an interview with MMA reporter Kevin Iole. He stated that the decision was not his fault and that Ankalaev's "boring style of fighting" may have contributed to the UFC's reluctance to book the matchup:
"Even his manager [Ali Abdelaziz] right? A super famous guy in the MMA world goes and says 'This guy [Pereira] is not going to fight [Ankalaev].' Go talk to Dana White... [he] doesn't want to make the matchup. It's not Alex."
He added:
"And then he goes and says, 'The fact that Ankalaev not fighting for the title is a joke.' Because if the UFC, Dana White, and the guys decide, so they are [a] joke? They're clowns? They're circus? You got to sort that out with the organization. It’s not my fault that Ankalaev has such a boring style of fighting that nobody wants to watch.”
Check out Alex Pereira's comments below: