Marcos ‘Parrumpinha’ DaMatta has offered a revealing insight into one of the most talked-about fights that has not materialised so far.
The American Top Team coach is a respected figure in MMA, coaching multiple elite fighters including Alexandre Pantoja, Renato Moicano and Arman Tsarukyan.
On Brazilian podcast Connect Cast, he weighed in on the failed talks between Jon Jones and the UFC regarding the White House event. His comments have now added a new layer to the narrative surrounding the proposed heavyweight clash between Jones and Alex Pereira.
Marcos ‘Parrumpinha’ says he heard about $5 million gap in Jon Jones vs Alex Pereira negotiations
DaMatta shared what he had heard about the breakdown in negotiations for the UFC Freedom 250, where Jones was expected to face Pereira in a blockbuster bout.
He said: “Things I heard, which could also be lies: the difference between the fight [Pereira vs. Jones] happening and not happening was $5 million. In my opinion, it’s worth it. The UFC messed up.”
The American Top Team coach went further, suggesting responsibility would fall on the promotion if this version was accurate.
He added: “So if this really happened, if what I heard was true, it was a blunder by the UFC, not Jon Jones.
“Why? Because a few weeks before they paid $15 million to an unknown kid in boxing.”
The fighter in question is Conor Benn, who reportedly signed a $15 million one-fight agreement with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing last February.
Alex Pereira still open to Jon Jones fight despite setbacks
In that context, Pereira has previously indicated he still believes a fight with Jones could happen in the future.
He does not expect the UFC to release Jones from his contract, leaving the door open if circumstances change.
However, Dana White’s strained relationship with Jones, particularly after issues surrounding a potential fight with Tom Aspinall, makes any agreement increasingly unlikely.
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