The dream heavyweight superfight between Jon Jones and Alex Pereira appears to have been derailed by a staggering financial gap, according to a prominent MMA coach.

Marcos ‘Parrumpinha’ DaMatta, a respected figure from American Top Team who coaches champions like Alexandre Pantoja, recently shed light on the collapsed negotiations for the proposed UFC Freedom 250 event. Speaking on the Brazilian podcast Connect Cast, DaMatta revealed that the much-hyped clash fell apart over a difference of $5 million.

"Things I heard, which could also be lies: the difference between the fight [Pereira vs. Jones] happening and not happening was $5 million," DaMatta stated. "In my opinion, it’s worth it. The UFC messed up."

He placed the blame squarely on the promotion, pointing to a recent large payout in boxing as a point of comparison. "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," he added, referencing Conor Benn's reported one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing.

While the immediate path to the fight seems blocked, Pereira himself has hinted that a future showdown with Jones remains a possibility, contingent on the UFC's willingness to negotiate. However, the ongoing tension between UFC CEO Dana White and Jon Jones, compounded by previous disputes over fights with contenders like Tom Aspinall, casts a long shadow over any potential reconciliation for this blockbuster bout.