UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has sent shockwaves through the MMA world with a cryptic update on a possible superfight against Jon Jones. The Brazilian knockout artist, set to defend his title at UFC 313, initially brushed off rumors of a clash with Jones—even suggesting they train together. But in a stunning reversal, Pereira hinted that a blockbuster showdown might now be inevitable. “People already put the dots together,” he teased, fueling speculation that the two legends could collide in the octagon.
From training partners to potential rivals
When Pereira and Jones crossed paths at UFC 306 earlier this year, the mood was collegial. The Brazilian extended an olive branch, proposing a training session with the heavyweight icon. Fast-forward to today, and the narrative has shifted dramatically. In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, Alex Pereira admitted his earlier offer no longer makes sense—especially with fans and pundits connecting the dots for a legacy-defining fight.
“Back when I said I’d like to fight at heavyweight, people already linked me to Jon Jones,” Pereira revealed. “So why train now? If we fight later, people will talk. But if we battle first, then train? That works.”
Jon Jones’ legacy chase vs. Alex Pereira’s heavyweight ambition
Jon Jones, fresh off his UFC 309 victory over Stipe Miocic, has made no secret of his desire to face Pereira next. The heavyweight king, widely regarded as MMA’s GOAT, is laser-focused on high-stakes bouts that cement his legend—and Pereira’s star power trumps interim champ Tom Aspinall in that equation. For Pereira, a move to heavyweight isn’t just about belts; it’s about etching his name alongside icons.
“It’s something fans speculate,” Pereira acknowledged, leaning into the hype. “Even if it’s just them… you have to listen.”
The Roadblocks: Ankalaev and Aspinall Loom
Before any superfight materializes, both men have business to handle. Pereira must first defend his 205-pound crown against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313—a bout he calls his “last” at light-heavyweight. Meanwhile, Jones is contractually bound to unify the heavyweight title against Aspinall later this year. But with Alex Pereira eyeing a leap to heavyweight, the timeline for a Jones clash could accelerate.
Why This Fight Matters: Legacy vs. Risk
For Jon Jones, Pereira represents a rare chance to test his skills against a striker of unparalleled power. For Pereira, it’s an opportunity to become the first three-division UFC champion. But the risks are stark: Jones’ grappling prowess could neutralize Pereira’s kickboxing genius, while Pereira’s left hook remains the sport’s great equalizer.
Alex Pereira’s message is clear: “Put the dots together.” Whether this megafight happens hinges on timing, politics, and survival in their upcoming bouts. But one thing’s certain—the MMA world is already connecting those dots.