Former UFC lightweight champion Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira has full confidence in fellow Brazilian fighter Alex “Poatan” Pereira, believing that the reigning light heavyweight titleholder has what it takes to knock out Jon Jones if they ever meet inside the Octagon.
Oliveira shared his thoughts following Pereira’s stunning 80-second knockout win over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 on October 4 in Las Vegas, where Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight championship. The victory not only reinforced Pereira’s dominance at 205 pounds but also sparked conversations about a potential super fight between him and Jon Jones, the former two-division UFC champion.
Oliveira Applauds Both Fighters
Speaking with reporters during the UFC Rio media day ahead of his bout with Mateusz Gamrot, Oliveira admitted that he holds deep respect for Jones, who many consider the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.
“Talking about Jon Jones is a bit complicated because I admire him a lot,” Oliveira said. “When I fought the first time, Jon Jones was there. When I was the breakthrough fighter, Jon Jones was there. I was No. 2, he was No. 1. I admire him a lot. He was there when I fought Michael Chandler the second time. I admire him a lot.”
Jones, who has never suffered a true defeat in 30 professional fights, is known for his technical brilliance and all-around skill set. Still, Oliveira believes Pereira’s raw knockout power could change any fight in an instant.
“It’s definitely going to be a fight that I will sit down and cheer for Brazil, for Poatan,” Oliveira added. “But I’ll be nervous watching it because [Jones] is great. But I think that whoever stands in front of Poatan, regardless of being someone who only takes people down, if he lands a hand, he’s getting knocked out.”
Alex Pereira has quickly become one of the UFC’s most dangerous athletes, collecting wins over elite opponents such as Israel Adesanya, Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill, Khalil Rountree Jr., and now Magomed Ankalaev. With a record of 10–2 inside the UFC, Pereira stands as one of the few two-division champions in the organization’s history.
Oliveira on Greatness and Brazilian Legacy
Oliveira refused to rank Pereira above other Brazilian icons like Anderson Silva and Jose Aldo, but he did acknowledge that Pereira is in a historic phase of his career.
“It’s not that I’m on the fence,” Oliveira said. “I think it’s all about moments. Anderson Silva had his time. Everybody watched him dance his way inside the cage. Aldo had his time. They all had their moments and deserve respect. Every single one of them helped the sport evolve. Poatan is at the top today, a gigantic man, and can definitely win the third belt at heavyweight.”
#UFCRIO headliner Charles Oliveira is torn on a potential fight between Jon Jones and his countryman Alex Pereira:
“I will sit down and cheer for Brazil. But I’ll be apprehensive watching it because Jones is great.” pic.twitter.com/9Q1LpyHIzU
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) October 8, 2025
While Oliveira supports Pereira’s quest for greatness, he also has ambitions of his own. The Brazilian lightweight star suggested that he could headline the UFC White House event himself — proposing a high-profile fight against Conor McGregor for June 2026.
Whether or not that bout happens, Oliveira remains a proud supporter of his countryman. If Pereira and Jones ever share the cage, “Do Bronx” says he’ll be cheering loudly for Brazil’s powerhouse striker — and watching closely to see if Poatan’s legendary left hook can shake up the heavyweight division.
