UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira nonetheless needs to battle Jon Jones.
‘Poatan’ simply signed a deal to return to the octagon in March. Again for the primary time since a stoppage win over Khalil Rountree final fall, Alex Pereira will meet the rising Magomed Ankalaev in the principle occasion of UFC 313. The Russian is at the moment driving a 13-fight unbeaten streak, final defeating Aleksandar Rakic in October.
Earlier at the moment, Alex Pereira appeared on Ariel Helwani’s podcast to debate his return. There, the Brazilian was requested about rumors that he was in discussions to maneuver to heavyweight, earlier than signing a deal to face Ankalaev. Final month, experiences alleged that Pereira was in discussions to face longtime heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov later this 12 months.
Nevertheless, all of that discuss was for nothing. Based on ‘Poatan’, he all the time meant to face Ankalaev, and even requested the March date for the UFC. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply that Alex Pereira isn’t eyeing a future transfer to heavyweight. Talking with Helwani, the light-heavyweight champion once more referred to as for a battle towards Jon Jones.
RELATED: ALEX PEREIRA REACTS TO JAMAHAL HILL’S KNOCKOUT LOSS AT UFC 311: “WE RESPECT EACH OTHER”
“I’m the champ, I need to battle the champ. Let’s make the battle with Jon Jones.”
Alex Pereira additionally shares that he has spoke on the telephone with Jon Jones a few doable battle. 👀 pic.twitter.com/uobvrEV7p8
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 27, 2025
Alex Pereira reveals dialog with Jon Jones about future UFC superfight
‘Bones’ himself referred to as for the possibility to face Alex Pereira following a knockout win over Stipe Miocic in November. Nevertheless, with Dana White as an alternative hoping to e book Jon Jones towards Tom Aspinall later this 12 months, the heavyweight should wait to face ‘Poatan’. Regardless, Pereira is deadset on making the battle occur.
“I’m the champ, I need to battle the champ. Let’s make the battle with Jon Jones… Earlier than Jon’s final battle, we truly talked about preventing.” Alex Pereira said via a translator on Ariel Helwani’s podcast earlier at the moment. “Extra random discuss, not an excessive amount of about preventing. [He’s] not a pal or somebody I discuss with on the common, however somebody I respect. I do know he respects me, and there’s mutual respect.”
He continued, “I believe [Jon wants to fight me], due to the momentum and the chance, it’s a threat preventing Aspinall. There’s not quite a bit to realize there, it’s one other title battle. However preventing Alex is far greater achievement… It’s a much bigger battle. We noticed the battle [with Stipe] later. It was a formidable win and spectacular efficiency.”
What do you make of those feedback from the UFC champion? Do you could have any curiosity in seeing Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira?