Alex Pereira is gearing up for his next big challenge at UFC 313, but his mind is also set on a dream matchup with Jon Jones. The UFC light heavyweight champion has revealed details about their conversation and why a potential fight between them would be monumental.
Pereira Prepares for Ankalaev
Alex Pereira is set to make his return to the octagon in March, where he will take on Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. Ankalaev is currently riding an incredible thirteen-fight unbeaten streak, making this fight a major challenge for Pereira, who last defeated Khalil Rountree.
Although Pereira is focused on his fight against Ankalaev, he has not ruled out a move to heavyweight in the future. Addressing rumors during his appearance on Ariel Helwani’s podcast, Pereira shared that he has always intended to fight Ankalaev first but is very interested in a potential clash with Jon Jones down the line.
“I am the champ, I want to fight the champ. Let us make the fight with Jon Jones,” Pereira said through a translator.
Respect Between Pereira and Jones
Pereira explained that he and Jones have spoken in the past about the possibility of fighting each other. While they are not close friends, there is mutual respect between the two champions.
“Before Jon’s last fight, we actually talked about fighting,” Pereira said. “[He is] not a friend or someone I talk with on the regular, but someone I respect. I know he respects me, and there is mutual respect.”
Pereira believes that Jones would be interested in fighting him because of the excitement and risk involved.
“I think Jon wants to fight me because of the momentum and the risk. It is a risk fighting Aspinall. There is not a lot to gain there. It is another title fight, but fighting Alex is a much bigger achievement… It is a bigger fight.”
“I’m the champ, I want to fight the champ. Let’s make the fight with Jon Jones.”
Alex Pereira also shares that he has spoke on the phone with Jon Jones about a possible fight. 👀 pic.twitter.com/uobvrEV7p8
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 27, 2025
A Future Showdown
Jon Jones, fresh off his knockout win over Stipe Miocic, has expressed interest in facing Pereira as well. However, UFC President Dana White is reportedly considering a fight between Jones and Tom Aspinall first.
Pereira praised Jones’s performance in his last fight, saying, “We saw the fight with Stipe later. It was an impressive win and an impressive performance.”
While the timeline for a fight between Pereira and Jones remains unclear, Pereira seems determined to make it happen.