“There’s no way in hell” – Dana White gets real about letting UFC stars like Alex Pereira or Ilia Topuria venture into boxing

🔥 Explore this insightful post from Sportskeeda 📖

📂 **Category**: MMA

✅ **What You’ll Learn**:

Dana White recently shared his thoughts on promoting major UFC stars like Alex Pereira or Ilia Topuria into boxing.

Over the past few months, MMA stars like Pereira, Topuria and Sean O’Malley have made it clear that they would like to compete in boxing. Last October, Pereira expressed a keen interest in trying boxing after making his mark in kickboxing and mixed martial arts, and invited Oleksandr Usyk to a superfight.

Meanwhile, last December, Topuria claimed that he does not intend to compete in mixed martial arts for a long time and wants to move on to boxing. While many combat sports fans are eager to see the UFC’s top heavyweights test their striking skills against professional boxers in the squared circle, White appears not to be keen on helping them achieve that.

During a post-fight press conference at UFC London, White asked about the possibility of promoting cross-matches with Pereira or Topuria under the Zuffa Boxing banner. He replied:

Get the latest updates on Sportskeeda’s One Championship standings and more

“No way in hell. Cross fights suck, that’s not what we do. I want to see the best fighters in the world fighting the best fighters in the world. There are other networks and other people doing that, and that’s not what I do.”

When Alex Pereira got realistic about a potential post-UFC career move into boxing

Last October, Alex Pereira shared his thoughts on the possibility of moving into boxing after his time in the UFC ended. The Brazilian was confident of his chances in the squared circle and made it clear that it was not about the money for him.

In an interview with Podcast Connect Cast (via HappyPunch on X), “Poatan” said:

“I’m definitely going to go into boxing. I’ve made it clear that I want to fight in boxing. When I joined kickboxing, they didn’t believe in me. MMA, same thing. Boxing, they’ll say the same thing. I’m used to it. I don’t care. I just want to go out there and fight. It’s not just about getting more money. I like the challenge. I want to be the best.”