Dana White Denies UFC Influenced Daniel Cormier Over Alex Pereira’s Title Shot

Daniel Cormier has defended Josh Hokit getting a heavyweight title shot over Alex Pereira, pointing out that the former NFL star has already picked up two top-10 wins, including a victory over Derrick Lewis at the UFC White House card. Alex Pereira isn't happy with how things played out. He believes the UFC and Cormier pushed a narrative to convince fans that Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit was the right fight to make. Now Dana White himself has come out to address the claims.

Dana White Fires Back At Alex Pereira's UFC Manipulation Claims

Dana White denied Alex Pereira's claims that the UFC influenced Daniel Cormier's comments about the heavyweight title fight. White said he has never told Cormier or anyone else what to say publicly. At a recent press conference, the UFC boss said, “These guys are the most paranoid people on the planet. I've never told DC to say anything. I don't tell anybody what to say. If we did, Sean Strickland would have been gone three years ago.”

White even brought up Sean Strickland, joking that if the promotion really controlled what people said, Strickland would have been out the door three years ago. Cormier has also fired back at "Poatan" over his allegations.

Daniel Cormier Shuts Down Alex Pereira's Accusations

The former UFC double champ has responded to Alex 'Poatan' Pereira's claims that the UFC influenced him to support Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit. DC denied being told by the UFC to promote the fight, and during a recent video, the UFC veteran said, "I was not told by the UFC to promote this as the fight to happen... I'm honest. Like, I don't lie to these guys. I don't sugarcoat to these guys."

With both Dana White and Cormier denying the manipulation claims, fans are now waiting for the Brazilian to respond. In the meantime, 'Poatan; is set to face Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335, which will be another big test for him at heavyweight. Indeed, if he wins this fight, he might earn his ticket for heavyweight title shot.