Alex Pereira believes clash with Jon Jones ‘Inevitable’ urges to get past Tom Aspinall first
Alex Pereira knows a fight with Jon Jones will eventually happen in the UFC, but the heavyweight division has to move on first.
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Alex Pereira is confident about his eventual clash with heavyweight champion Jon Jones (Image via Imago)
The UFC heavyweight division has been in a strange turmoil ever since Francis Ngannou vacated the title. With no clear number one contender in sight, the UFC booked Jon Jones’ return against Ciryl Gane. Fast-forward to the present day, Tom Aspinall has risen as the ultimate challenger with two-division champion Alex Pereira also teasing a move up.
‘Poatan’ is currently enjoying a spotless reign in the light heavyweight division, with a record-breaking run in 2024. On the flip side, Jon Jones has dipped his toes in the conversation of super fights picking out Pereira as his desired opponent. Reflecting on Jones’ turbulent situation with the disputed heavyweight crown, the Brazilian superstar proposed a solution.
Well, I don’t know; he gotta go through Aspinall first, right? That’s the next challenge but I think if he pass Tom Aspinall. It is gonna be inevitable.
Alex Pereira via Exclusive Interview for MMA Crazy
The idea of Jones vs. Pereira reached UFC CEO Dana White’s ear, but the idea didn’t please him. White, in his response, stated that he would like to see Jones fight Aspinall next. Moreover, the UFC boss felt the matchup wouldn’t be favorable for Pereira after UFC 309. On the contrary, if fans made a fuss about wanting to see this fight, then the UFC boss might change his stance.
Pereira is currently enjoying a vacation from the grueling season of 2024. He defended his title against Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree this year. The UFC has offered no update on when the 37-year-old would like to return. Judging by the state of the division and Pereira’s ongoing feud with Magomed Ankalev, the Dagestani is likely next in line.
Magomed Ankalaev reveals Alex Pereira will fight him next, not Jon Jones
Magomed Ankalaev currently sits at the top of light heavyweight rankings just below champion Pereira. The Dagestani fighter is riding the wave of a 13-fight unbeaten streak since losing to Paul Craig in his first UFC bout. After defeating Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308, the Dagestani fighter remains far and away the next challenger for the throne.
Taking to X, Magomed Ankalaev claimed the UFC boss reached out to him to confirm his title shot. The 32-year-old fighter has been on the attack against the Brazilian to campaign for his title shot. In one of his posts made on X, Ankalaev praised his nemesis, but also asserted his desire to knock him out.
I’m going to beat @AlexPereiraUFC in March and I will give him a rematch in July and then I will beat one of these bums like Jamahal Hill and Jiri in Abu Dhabi in October.@Mickmaynard2 @danawhite
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) November 22, 2024
Poatan’s return to UFC could occur in the first quarter of 2025 as the champion likes to remain active. After a much needed break and chance to recuperate, the Brazilian superstar revealed being offered no update on his bout with Ankalaev. The agreement for the bout remains verbal as of now, and the contract could fly out in the next few weeks.
Related: WATCH: Alex Pereira gets ready to THROW DOWN against Jamahal Hill over heated argument in gym
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Ayank Chourasia
(95 Articles Published)