Alex Pereira isn’t buying into the growing narrative that a showdown with Jon Jones is off the table.
While fans continue to speculate about Jones’ future amid reported tensions with the UFC, Pereira remains confident that the fight can still happen, if everything falls into place.
Jones was notably left off the rumored White House card, a move that raised eyebrows given expectations that he would headline the event. Meanwhile, Pereira is set to take center stage at UFC Freedom 250, where he faces Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title on June 14.
Despite the ongoing friction between Jones and UFC CEO Dana White, Pereira believes the fight is still very much alive.
“I believe so, as long as I win this fight, right? Because otherwise it doesn’t make too much sense,” Pereira said.
“I believe it happens because he’d have to be released by the UFC. I don’t think the UFC is going to release him anytime soon, so if he wants to fight, who’s it going to be against? It’s going to be against me.”
While some, including Jake Paul, have shown interest in potentially signing Jones if he becomes a free agent, Pereira doesn’t see that scenario playing out.
Instead, Pereira is focused on handling business inside the Octagon and positioning himself as the most logical opponent for Jones moving forward.
Away from the speculation, Pereira recently made a major career move by signing a new long-term deal with the UFC.
The Brazilian star confirmed that he agreed to an eight-fight contract, signaling his commitment to the promotion as he transitions fully into the heavyweight division.
“Honestly, I just wanted to let go of the belt and fight heavyweights, maybe even fight for another belt,” Pereira said.
“But even if it was a regular fight, I just expressed that I wanted to fight at heavyweight. They really took care of me. The way they gave me this last contract was so good that I left it open for them to do whatever they wanted.”
Pereira added that he had no issue vacating his light heavyweight title, trusting the UFC to chart the best path forward for his career.
While the possibility of a clash with Jon Jones continues to generate buzz, Pereira has made it clear that his immediate focus remains on Ciryl Gane.
“I’m focused on Gane right now, and Jon Jones is next,” Pereira said.
At 38, Pereira understands the stakes. A win at UFC Freedom 250 could reshape the heavyweight division and set up one of the biggest fights in UFC history.
