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Dana White Backs Pereira’s Heavyweight Bid, Urges Chimaev to Defend Middleweight Title

The UFC is weighing star-driven matchmaking against divisional stability as leadership grows more open to spectacle fights.

Overview

  • White said the promotion would work with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira if he pursues a move to heavyweight, citing his willingness to take tough fights.
  • White told middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev to defend his 185-pound belt before seeking a jump to light heavyweight, pushing back on Chimaev’s recent “205” tease.
  • With heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall sidelined by serious eye injuries, reporting points to an interim-belt scenario as a realistic option still under discussion.
  • Industry rumors suggest a potential Pereira–Ciryl Gane matchup could materialize if Aspinall vacates the title, though no bout has been finalized.
  • White acknowledged he is no longer the primary matchmaker as COO Hunter Campbell drives more marquee-first decisions, with talks for future cards, including UFC 327 in Miami, being explored.