Will Dana White Dare?: Why the Paul vs. Pereira fight should take place before the White House event

Dana White could have in his hands the opportunity to revive a media phenomenon that could completely shake up the UFC calendar.

The recent cancellation of the exhibition fight between Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis left the boxing world focused on the Cleveland native, who has already begun searching for a new high-profile opponent.

Among the names mentioned, Alex Pereira did not go unnoticed, and the idea of seeing him face Paul before the next major event at the White House has generated both excitement and controversy.

A fight that defies convention

According to recent statements from Paul to ESPN, “his team is willing [to fight]. I think the only thing stopping it is the UFC. If these guys could terminate their contracts to fight me, it would be a huge fight.”

What makes it intriguing is that Dana White would need to mediate directly for this to happen, something that hasn’t always characterized his management style.

However, UFC history shows that White knows when to bet on events that seem outrageous, the clearest example being Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor.

At that time, Dana White hesitated, but the prospect of a million-dollar event with massive exposure convinced him.

The UFC ended up earning enormous profits and elevating its brand globally, without directly risking the essence of MMA.

Following that logic, a matchup between Jake Paul and Alex Pereira could replicate the formula: spectacle, money, and massive promotion ahead of next year’s most important UFC event.

Why Dana White should consider it

Alex Pereira already has a strong fan base in the United States and Brazil, while Jake Paul remains a media magnet.

A fight between the two would not only generate astronomical pay-per-view revenue but also increase anticipation for the White House card, drawing attention to Pereira’s future fights and other top UFC names.

Dana White would need to negotiate with both sides and overcome the natural resistance of UFC contracts, but the economic and media incentives are clear.

History shows that when White decides to bet on an unlikely matchup, the results can be historic.