The fight of the century: Jones targets Pereira and the Brazilian welcomes the challenge
The heavyweight champion shared on his social media that he would like to face Pereira. The Brazilian said it’s “a fight that he would love to do”
Alex Pereira is one of the most noticeable fighters in the UFC. In less than three years, he has become champion in two weight divisions (middle and light heavyweight), beating big stars like Israel Adesanya or Jiri Prochazka. One of the company’s legends, Jon Jones, has set his sights on him. The heavyweight king shared on his X account that he would love to fight him, and the Brazilian didn’t say no to that possibility.
“If Alex P became champion of the heavyweight division, would you guys consider him the GOAT? Being back in the gym has got me thinking differently. That fight after stipe may be the next biggest move I could possibly make. This killer has already defeated so many champions, and is already considered a legend to millions around the world”, Bones said on his socials.
The American, considered by many the company’s greatest fighter, even by its president Dana White, was also the pound-for-pound No. 1 for a long time. He was also the youngest UFC champion after winning the light heavyweight title, at 23, successfully defending the belt 11 times. “The most massive fight the UFC could make. Give Alex a chance to avenge all those great Brazilian champions I’ve defeated”, Jones added.
Involved in many controversies, Jones stayed away from the cage for three years. In March 2023, he returned to the octagon to submit Ciryl Gane in the first round and become heavyweight champion. The Frenchman, at that time, was the number one in the division, but Jones finished him off in two minutes. This victory helped the American to return to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings.
“A guy with a chance to be a three-division champion and a GOAT versus the actual GOAT. Same age, different strengths. No one can argue that that would be the biggest fight in MMA history. There’s absolutely no fight that generates a payday like that. Marketing would be insane,” Jones explained.
The American was scheduled to defend his crown at UFC 295 last November against Stipe Miocic. However, he suffered a pectoral tendon injury while training and had to undergo surgery, so he hasn’t yet put his title on the line. This has been heavily criticized, as interim champion Tom Aspinall is eagerly awaiting his turn and it seems Jones isn’t willing to give it to him.
Pereira accepts the challenge
Alex Pereira has proved that he isn’t afraid of anything, including Jones, but now it’s not the time. “That’s definitely a fight I would love to do. For me to move up to heavyweight, I need some time -- but not that much time because I’m already a big guy. So if they give me the green light and say, ‘Hey, this fight is happening,’ I’m 100 percent getting ready for it,” the Brazilian responded to journalist Nolan King.
Poatan has had a great career in a very short time and has established himself as one of the company’s most feared champions. In his last performance, at UFC 300, he knocked out former champion Jamahal Hill with one punch in the first round. He seems to have no match and is already targeting his next victims. “I think, as far as we know, most likely the next in line is going to be Prochazka. Ankalaev is going to have to wait a little bit,” Pereira predicted.