UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira has made it clear that he’s targeting the biggest challenges in the sport, with a potential showdown against Jon Jones topping his list. Pereira, who recently defended his 205 lbs. title in spectacular fashion, is now eyeing a fight with the UFC’s reigning heavyweight champion. Could a move to the heavyweight division be on the horizon for the Brazilian fighter?
“I Want to Fight the Champ” – Alex Pereira’s Bold Call for Jones Matchup
After a stellar 2023 that saw Alex Pereira rise through the ranks of light heavyweight, the former middleweight champion is hungry for even more significant fights. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Pereira expressed his desire to face Jon Jones, the UFC’s heavyweight titleholder. “I’m the champ, I want to fight the champ,” Pereira declared. “Let’s make the fight with Jon Jones. That’s the fight that I want for heavyweight.”
Pereira’s move up to light heavyweight has been nothing short of impressive, with three dominant finishes in 2023, earning him widespread acclaim and the coveted title of “Fighter of the Year” from several combat sports outlets. But the fighter known as Poatan seems intent on testing himself against the best, regardless of weight class.
Behind the Scenes: Pereira and Jones Have Discussed a Potential Superfight
In a surprising revelation, Pereira shared that he had spoken with Jon Jones about the possibility of a future matchup. The discussions, according to Pereira’s coach Plinio Cruz, took place even before Jones’ triumph over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. “Before the Miocic fight, they actually talked about possibly fighting, some things like that. But they didn’t talk no more,” Cruz explained. “Not a friend, not somebody that I talk with on the regular, but somebody that I respect. And I know that he respects me, there’s mutual respect.”
While the talks haven’t materialized into an official fight booking, the mutual respect between the two champions sets the stage for what could be one of the biggest matchups in UFC history.
Heavyweight Showdown on the Horizon: Jones vs. Aspinall
As Jon Jones looks ahead to his next challenge, the focus shifts to a potential title unification bout with Tom Aspinall. Aspinall recently earned his shot at the heavyweight title after an impressive knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 and a dominant win against Curtis Blaydes in July. Should Aspinall defeat Jones in a unification fight, Pereira is open to the possibility of facing the 31-year-old Englishman, but only if Aspinall becomes the undisputed champion.
Pereira stated, “I’ll fight anybody at heavyweight. But I’m the champion, and Jon Jones is the champion. If Aspinall was the champion, I’d want to fight him.”
What’s Next for Pereira? UFC 313 and the Road to Heavyweight Glory
Before Pereira can set his sights on Jones or Aspinall, he must first defend his light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025. The fight promises to be a thrilling showdown, and if Pereira successfully defends his belt, the door could be wide open for a massive superfight with Jones.
With both fighters in dominant form, a matchup between Pereira and Jones seems inevitable—provided the stars align. The UFC and fans alike are eagerly awaiting what could be the most exciting chapter in the careers of two of the sport’s most feared champions.
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