Alex Pereira, fresh off reclaiming the UFC light heavyweight belt with a swift knockout over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, is calling for a blockbuster showdown with Jon Jones. The Brazilian star sees a fight with the former champion as an opportunity that leaves both fighters ahead, regardless of the outcome.
With options on the table, Pereira could either remain at 205 pounds to defend against top contender Carlos Ulberg or move up to heavyweight to face Tom Aspinall or a returning Jones. Jones, who previously announced a retirement earlier this year, has stated he plans to compete at the UFC White House event in June and has also expressed interest in facing Pereira, which adds fuel to the potential matchup.
Pereira Discusses Timing and Career Goals
“I’ve always talked about this fight, about moving up to heavyweight, but then I said to myself, ‘Man, stay in your weight class,’” Pereira told Connect Cast. “I wanted to stay in my weight class, I cared about my health, etc. But I’m 38 now, and at the same time, I’m thinking about my career. I think that’s the fight which needs to happen. Even Jon Jones was talking about this fight. That’s what he said in his interview the other day, right?”
Pereira believes the timing is ideal to attempt a historic achievement: capturing UFC championships in three weight classes.
⚡️Alex Pereira explains why he wants to fight Jon Jones at White House
“We’re both are big names. No matter what happens in this fight — nobody loses.”
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— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 16, 2025
Pereira has already compiled an extraordinary list of combat sports accomplishments. After becoming a two-division champion in Glory Kickboxing, he carried the momentum into MMA, defeating Israel Adesanya to claim the middleweight title at UFC 281 and later winning the vacant light heavyweight belt with a second-round knockout of Jiri Prochazka at UFC 291.
Despite an unsuccessful first defense of his middleweight title against Adesanya, Pereira successfully defended the 205-pound championship three times in 2025 before his streak was halted by Ankalaev.
Facing Jones, who has only lost once via disqualification in a 30-fight career, would be a defining moment. Pereira believes the matchup would be historic, respected by fans, and free from the risk of damaging either fighter’s legacy.
“I think the same way he does,” Pereira said. “We’re both big names. No matter what happens, nobody loses in this fight.”
Why This Fight Matters
The fact that Jones avoided a unification bout with Aspinall will likely be a point of debate — the underlying tension in the division — and Jones may react strongly to anyone who questions it. Still, this is the context needed to set up what could be the biggest fight since Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229. Fans are willing to accept Jones’ attitude to witness his extraordinary skills in the cage.
It’s the matchup to make. Pereira comes in as the reigning champion, while Jones is in a semi-retired, highly focused state. Jones will want this fight because he believes he can defeat Pereira. Pereira wants it because he aims to reward his coach Glover Teixeira and also believes he can win. Both men have dominated the light heavyweight division, one regarded as the GOAT, the other holding the current title.
Ultimately, this battle would occur at heavyweight, where Jones most recently excelled. Neither fighter would risk losing their status, and yet the stakes would still deliver an unforgettable spectacle.
