Jon Jones and Alex Pereira Squash Beef After Meeting Backstage for UFC 329 Weigh Ins

UFC legend Jon Jones apologizes and mends things with Alex Pereira and team backstage before the UFC 329 ceremonial weigh-ins.

Jon Jones and Alex Pereira Squash Beef After Meeting Backstage for UFC 329 Weigh Ins

Jon Jones and Alex Pereira (via Instagram)

Jon Jones is regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history after building a legendary career across divisions. However, Jones remains sensitive about his place in the UFC GOAT debate. That became a talking point when Alex Pereira attempted a third divisional title at UFC Freedom 250, leading Jones to take a shot at the Brazilian. Behind the scenes at UFC 329, Jones cleared the situation with Pereira’s team.

Pereira entered UFC Freedom 250 as a two-division UFC champion after vacating his light heavyweight title. The Brazilian superstar reclaimed the belt at UFC 320 with a first-round knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev before moving to heavyweight. Pereira then challenged Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title, but the Frenchman stopped his historic bid with a second-round knockout.

Jones quickly posted a video on social media after Pereira was knocked out at UFC Freedom 250, wearing a GOAT necklace. The timing followed widespread claims that Pereira would surpass Jones in the UFC GOAT debate by winning a third divisional title. However, backstage at the UFC 329 weigh-ins, Jones met with ‘Poatan’, and his coach, Plinio Cruz, clarified the situation and apologized for the misunderstanding.

I meant no disrespect. Dana White was saying ‘[Alex] is gonna be the GOAT’. I felt offended by Dana’s comments. I felt like Dana was trying to attack me. I was like come on Dana.

Jon Jones via UFC on Paramount

Jones’ explanation also echoed CEO Dana White‘s stance before UFC Freedom 250. White consistently maintained Jones as his UFC GOAT but admitted Pereira would become a strong candidate to surpass him with a third UFC divisional title. However, Pereira’s loss ultimately ended that historic opportunity.

Jones’ comments also reflect how strained his relationship with White has become in recent months. The pair publicly disagreed over Jones’ retirement and his place on the UFC White House card. The UFC head honcho announced both while Jones was actively campaigning to compete at the historic event.

Jones did not respond positively, publicly disputing White’s statements and denying the claims publicly. The UFC legend also requested his release from his UFC contract, marking one of the most serious public disputes of his career with the promotion and highlighting the growing tension between both sides.

Pereira has consistently maintained respect for Jones despite their brief misunderstanding. The Brazilian previously supported ‘Bones’ during a difficult personal period and never intended to offend the former champion. Their meeting at UFC 329 ultimately reaffirmed the mutual respect between both fighters.

Jon Jones has now confirmed his retirement from active competition and shifted his focus toward coaching Gable Steveson for his UFC 329 debut. His backstage meeting with Alex Pereira at the UFC 329 weigh-ins also showed the respect he continues to hold for ‘Poatan’, bringing an end to their rivalry.

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Jon Jones opens up on how coaching Gable Steveson feels nostalgic

Gable Steveson is finally set to make his UFC debut at UFC 329, where he faces Elisha Ellison on the preliminary card. The Olympic gold medalist enters the event as the biggest betting favorite in UFC history. Sportsbooks have listed Steveson as high as a -4000 favorite, with Ellison as a massive underdog.

Jon Jones has played a key role in Steveson’s preparation ahead of his UFC 329 debut. The former UFC champion has worked closely with the Olympic gold medalist throughout training camp. Their relationship has grown through years of respect, with Jones now serving as one of Steveson’s mentors.

Gable Steveson credits Jon Jones igniting a spark to take up MMA
Gable Steveson credits Jon Jones for igniting a spark to take up MMA (Image via Open Source)

Jones has long expressed interest in returning to MMA despite stepping away from active competition. He last fought at UFC 309 in 2024, defeating Stipe Miocic to retain the UFC heavyweight title. Jones later retired after his championship reign, but has repeatedly indicated he still misses competing.

Jones has also dealt with arthritis in recent years, raising doubts about another return to active competition. The former champion previously revealed the condition affected his long-term future in the Octagon. Despite those setbacks, coaching Steveson recently reignited his passion for the sport.

It feels so good to be back here, it makes me miss the game tremendously. I had my time. To be one of the best fighters you have to be selfish. Now it’s time for me to learn more about being selfless.

Jon Jones via UFC 329 Embedded

While another UFC return appears highly unlikely, Jon Jones has continued teasing future competition. The former champion has recently hinted at a potential appearance in Real American Freestyle, keeping the door open for a return to combat sports despite his retirement from MMA.

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