Dana White says Alex Pereira can achieve GOAT status at UFC White House

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 9:31 PM

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

Dana White says Alex Pereira can achieve GOAT status at UFC White House
Summary

UFC CEO Dana White stated that Alex Pereira could solidify his status as the greatest of all time if he defeats Ciryl Gane at UFC White House on June 18th. Pereira is aiming to become the first UFC fighter to win titles in three divisions. He previously captured the middleweight title in his eighth MMA fight and the light heavyweight title three fights later. White emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that it would surpass Jon Jones in terms of greatness.

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By the Numbers
  • •UFC White House takes place on June 18th.
  • •Pereira faces Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
  • •Pereira aims to be the first to win three UFC titles.
  • •Dana White believes a win would elevate Pereira over Jon Jones.
  • •Pereira joined the UFC in 2021 after a career in kickboxing.
Latest Updates
  • 9:31 PMYahoo Sports — UFC head claims Alex Pereira passes Jon Jones as GOAT with White House win
  • 9:10 PMYahoo Sports — Dana White: Alex Pereira passes Jon Jones as GOAT with UFC White House win
  • 9:00 PMMMA Fighting — Dana White: Alex Pereira could claim GOAT status over Jon Jones at UFC White House
What they're saying
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 13: UFC CEO Dana White presents the championship belt to Alex Pereira of Brazil in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 300 event at T-Mobile Arena on April 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Alex Pereira isn’t just fighting for history at UFC White House; he’s fighting for GOAT status. At least, that’s what Dana White believes. Next weekend, Pereira will attempt to become the first person in UFC history to win titles in three divisions when he takes on Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event of UFC White House. A very small handful of fighters have won titles in three weight classes in MMA across the world, but no one has ever done it in the UFC, and should he pull it off, White believes that will make “Poatan” the greatest fighter in history. “You’ve got Pereira possibly winning his third world title,” White told Forbes. “If he wins the third world title that night, he jumps over Jon Jones and becomes the greatest of all-time.” Should he beat Gane, Pereira’s accomplishment will be all the more special given how late Poatan came to the UFC. A long-time Glory Kickboxing fighter, Pereira joined the UFC in 2021, with only four MMA fights to his name. From there, he went on to win the UFC middleweight title in his eighth professional MMA fight, before moving up to 205 pounds and winning the light heavyweight belt just three fights later. UFC White House takes place on June 18th, and is headlined by a lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.

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The main Ultimate Fighting Championship promoter is doing a bit of promoting ahead of the upcoming tentpole event.

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Jon Jones' days as Dana White's GOAT could be numbered.

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