MMA star Alex Pereira is set to compete for the UFC light heavyweight title against former titleholder Jiri Prochazka. Originally slated as the co-main event for UFC 295, the match has now been promoted to the evening’s main attraction due to Jon Jones’ withdrawal from his heavyweight title showdown with Stipe Miocic.
Leading up to this much-anticipated comeback, Pereira was spotted training alongside the controversial BJJ specialist Dillon Danis. He recently made a return to the ring, facing off against social media sensation Logan Paul as part of a Misfits Boxing event in the U.K. Danis asked Pereira to help him get ready for the match.
During his appearance at Wednesday’s UFC 295 media day, Alex Pereira couldn’t speak highly enough of Danis. He also expressed his hopes to witness Danis secure a contract with the promotion one day.
Recounting his experience working with Danis, Pereira said: “We did two night sessions, one before the [Jan] Blachowicz fight which was MMA training, and another one for this fight he was having with Logan [Paul].”
“First, we did an MMA session and I could see that he’s a very talented kid. We had two night sessions. He’s a great guy and the fact that he’s actually in negotiations with the UFC, or trying to get in, I think is awesome and I’m rooting for him.”
Danis showcased his prowess under the Bellator MMA banner, winning back-to-back first-round submissions in 2019. However, that marked the last time he competed for the promotion.
During a Power Slap press event, UFC CEO Dana White was asked about the potential signing of Danis. White quickly changed the topic, saying he hadn’t really thought about it.
Combat sports enthusiasts were quick to notice that White neither affirmed nor denied the possibility of signing the New Jersey native, leading many to speculate ongoing negotiations taking place.