"I Am Happy": Alex Pereira Breaks Silence On Dana White’s $40 Million Boxing Payouts

Dana White’s blunt verdict puts Alex Pereira’s boxing future in doubt.© NDTV Photo Library

Alex Pereira has said he has no issue with Dana White paying Zuffa Boxing fighters large sums. His comments come as questions grow over whether UFC athletes are being underpaid. Speaking to Ariel Helwani through a translator, Pereira said he was happy with his own deal. He added that he had no desire to chase a boxing payday simply because others were earning more. Pereira is getting ready to return against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 on December 12. The Brazilian is looking to rebound after his heavyweight loss to Ciryl Gane. He believes a win over Pavlovich can put him back in title contention.

Pereira responds to boxing's massive paydays

When asked whether he felt short-changed compared with what TKO is willing to pay boxers, Alex Pereira was direct. “I am happy,” he said. “No problem. Boxing, go box, make another 40 million or whatever, but for what?”

The Brazilian added, “I think we have… we did a good plan and did a good work," suggesting his satisfaction comes from career planning rather than comparison with other athletes' contracts.

Pereira has seven fights remaining on his UFC deal. His coach, Plinio Cruz, said a boxing move at 39 would be “kind of impossible", pointing to both the contract and Pereira's age rather than money as the main obstacles.

Dana White shuts down Alex Pereira's boxing hopes

Zuffa Boxing's high-profile contracts have renewed comparisons between what boxers and UFC fighters can earn under the same parent company. This is particularly true as several UFC stars have publicly expressed interest in boxing.

However, Dana White has consistently rejected crossover fights involving UFC champions. In March, he ruled out Pereira, Ilia Topuria, and Sean O'Malley appearing on Zuffa Boxing cards, saying, "No way in hell. The crossover fights suck.”

Pereira's position is notable because he once spoke openly about boxing. In 2025, he said he would “definitely” box and framed it as a personal challenge rather than a financial pursuit.

At present, Pereira's focus is firmly on MMA. He returns at heavyweight against Pavlovich in a five-round co-main event at T-Mobile Arena, looking to bounce back from his loss to Ciryl Gane.

A win would keep the Brazilian in the heavyweight title conversation. It would also strengthen his argument that his future remains in the UFC. Regardless of how lucrative boxing may look from the outside.