UFC CEO Dana White changed ideas on the pound-for-pound rankings prior to UFC 313.
Dana White is not a fan of the current UFC ranking system. Months after threatening to replace it with an artificial intelligence led by artificial intelligence, White remains irritated by some of the decisions to move hunters up and down.
After months of proclaiming Jon Jones as the Pound-for-Pond Koning, to the anger of some media members and fans, Blank turned in that attitude in favor of Islam Makhachev. Makhachev finished Renato Moicano at UFC 311, and during the press conference after the fight, White admitted that Makhakevet earned the top position about Jones.
Jones has the chance to reclaim the first place of Makhachev if he returns later this year and beats Tom Aspinall. Alex Pereira, currently at number 3 in the pound-for-pound rankings, will return this weekend on UFC 313 against Magomed Ankalaev.
Split image of Alex Pereira ends on UFC 307, opposite Islam Makhachev after completing Renato Moicano on UFC 311. Credits: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Dana White makes another stunning admission about the pound-for-pound rankings
If Pereira continues its history title rule and Ankalaev beats this weekend, White is willing to make another pivot in his pound-for-pound attitude.
During a recent performance at the Jim Rome show, White was asked if Pereira would take the first place in the pound-for-pound ranking with a victory over UFC 313.
“Probably [yes]. You could probably call him the best pound-for-pound, “White said about Pereira's pound-for-pound case. “He fought in a lower weight class and was a world champion, increased a weight class and is now a world champion. Ankalaev is without a doubt the most difficult test of his career. The Pereira team always tells about how good his Takedown defense is, “it's better than people realize,” we're going to find out how good it is this weekend.
“And if he tears through Ankalaev, the way he has everyone … This man wants to go to heavyweight and also fight for heavyweight, and I am the one who actually stops him there.”
Pereira is interested in a switch to heavyweight around the Jones vs. Asinall winner, or who holds the belt when he is ready to make the climb. A victory over UFC 313 would enable Pereira to surpass Jones as the fastest to defend the light heavyweight championship four times (329 days).
Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones/Tom Aspinall Winner is on the table after UFC 313
Chael Sonnen believes that the Pereira vs. Aspinall Fight Talks will rise after UFC 313. But Jones, Aspinall and the UFC are in active negotiations to unite the heavyweight belts, as soon as this summer.
Pereira recently told the Bloody Elbow that he will not train with Jones in the midst of speculation about a future superfight. Jones offered to train with Pereira during a run-in on UFC 306, but Pereira has since played on that proposal.
Jones recently defended his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic on UFC 309 in November. Makhachev is expected to return later this year, possibly in a superfight against Ilia Topuria for his next title defense.
While the pound-for-pound debate is raging, don't be surprised if White makes a pivot on UFC 313 this weekend. Pereira has the chance to earn more than a different title win against Ankalaev.
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