Alex Pereira isn’t planning to sit around for Jon Jones the way Tom Aspinall did, mostly because he doesn’t think he’ll have to.
Fresh off a jaw-dropping first-round knockout win over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, “Poatan” once again stands tall atop the MMA world. The victory avenged his loss to Ankalaev earlier this year at UFC 313 and made him a two-time light heavyweight champion.
While Pereira could defend his title next against rising contender Carlos Ulberg, talk continues to swirl about a potential move to heavyweight and a long-discussed superfight with Jon Jones. If that opportunity opens up, Pereira believes Jones won’t hesitate.
“I don’t think so because that’s something he said in interviews he wants,” Pereira said during a Q&A in Rio de Janeiro. “I think he’s at a certain age that’s a little elevated for the sport, like mine, and we don’t have time to waste. I think he will be sincere if he’s interested or not.”
Jones, who’s only lost once in his 30-fight career and that by disqualification, recently named Pereira as a possible opponent if he fights again. The former UFC heavyweight champion drew criticism for avoiding an undisputed title fight with Tom Aspinall, opting instead to step away briefly before teasing a comeback for next June’s UFC White House event.
If Pereira vs. Jones does happen, it would easily be one of the most anticipated matchups in recent UFC history. Still, Pereira isn’t making predictions.
“This is MMA,” Pereira said. “Those who know my work, I always say in my interviews that you either lose or win, but I’ll do my best and prepare myself well to come out with the victory.”
A former kickboxing champion, Pereira’s MMA rise has been shocking to many. In just 16 professional fights, he’s already captured two UFC titles, defeating Israel Adesanya for the middleweight crown in his eighth bout and Jiri Prochazka for the light heavyweight title in his eleventh. He then defended that belt three straight times in 2024, each ending in a KO/TKO.
Already a lock for the UFC Hall of Fame, Pereira’s name continues to echo in the GOAT conversation.
“Results and records are not in my control,” Pereira said. “Sometimes we do things and the people who have to validate that don’t do it. I’ll just do my job, if they think I’m the best, No. 2, or last place, that’s not in my control.”
