Alex Pereira Confirms Dana White’s Agreement Over Jake Paul Fight in One Word Response Post Mike Perry’s Defeat
Alex Pereira Responds to Jake Paul’s Challenge Following Mike Perry Victory
Jake Paul, fresh off his spectacular win against Mike Perry, has his sights set on another high-profile bout. This time, he’s aiming to take on UFC’s light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira. While many scoffed at the idea, seeing it as another publicity stunt by Paul, Pereira’s swift response suggests otherwise. The Brazilian powerhouse has seemingly given the green light for this intriguing crossover fight, indicating Dana White’s potential approval.
Jake Paul’s Callout and Pereira’s Quick Response
Jake Paul’s victory over Mike Perry was a statement in itself, but it was his post-fight callout of Alex Pereira that set the combat sports world abuzz. Despite having a rescheduled bout with Mike Tyson in November, Paul showed no hesitation in challenging Pereira. To the surprise of many, Pereira responded almost immediately via FaceTime, showcasing his willingness to step into the boxing ring with “The Problem Child.”
“Hey, let’s run it.”
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“Chama! Let’s go my guy,” said Alex Pereira. The video wasn’t clear but it seemed like Pereira’s mentor Glover Teixeira replied to Paul, “We’ll talk to him, we’ll talk to him,” after the champion said, “Yeah.”
A Historic Move for the UFC?
Conor McGregor remains the only UFC fighter to have participated in a professional boxing match while under contract with the promotion. Other fighters, like Francis Ngannou, had to leave the UFC to explore similar opportunities. However, Pereira’s response hints at a possible shift in policy under Dana White’s leadership.
Pereira’s Enthusiastic Acceptance
In a video posted on social media, Pereira is seen FaceTiming Jake Paul, who eagerly proposes the fight. Pereira, with his trademark calm and confidence, simply says, “Chama! Let’s go, my guy.” This rare instance of Pereira speaking in English added to the gravity of the moment. When asked about Dana White’s stance, Pereira’s mentor, Glover Teixeira, reassured Paul with, “We’ll talk to him, we’ll talk to him,” suggesting that discussions with the UFC president were already in motion.
Pereira’s Boxing Potential
Alex Pereira is no stranger to the boxing ring, having showcased his formidable striking skills throughout his career. Recently, former WBO interim heavyweight champion Zhilei Zhang sparred with Pereira and was impressed by his boxing prowess. Zhang’s endorsement of Pereira’s abilities adds weight to the potential fight with Paul. “He’s a good boxer. He has good reflexes, speed, and power. I’ve watched him dominate in the UFC, and I believe his power can translate to heavyweight boxing,” Zhang stated on ‘The MMA Hour.’
“He’s [Alex Pereira] a good boxer. I can tell you he has good reflections, he has good speed, and good power. I watch him fight a lot, in UFC, he kind of dominates everybody standing, and striking. I think he has it… I think he has the power to translate to heavyweight [boxing],” Zhilei Zhang stated on ‘The MMA Hour’.
Implications for the Fight
While Pereira is focused on his UFC career and eyeing a third divisional title, his interest in boxing Jake Paul opens up new possibilities. Pereira’s acceptance indicates a potential landmark event where a reigning UFC champion could step into the boxing ring without leaving the organization.
Fan Reactions and Anticipation
The reaction from fans has been mixed but mostly excited. Many are eager to see how Jake Paul, who has steadily climbed the boxing ranks, would fare against a striking savant like Pereira. Others are curious about the logistical and contractual hurdles that this fight might face, given the UFC’s historical stance on such crossover bouts.
What Lies Ahead?
As we await further confirmation from Dana White, the combat sports community is on edge, wondering if this fight will truly materialize. If it does, it could signify a new era of flexibility within the UFC, allowing fighters to pursue diverse challenges while still under contract.
