Jon Jones make surprising deal with Alex Pereira after run-in at UFC 306 following callout for heavyweight showdown
16/09/2024 02:03
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones last night officially announced his return to the cage, but faced off with someone fans were more keen to see him fight.
The legendary two-weight world champion is due to face Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November at Madison Square Garden, with the card fully announced last night. And Jones was in attendance at UFC 306 in Las Vegas’ new Sphere venue, alongside a host of famous names.
One name in particular drew interest as he finally came head-to-head with light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. The Brazilian has been touted as a prospective opponent for Jones, with the American even claiming a bout between the pair could be the biggest fight possible for UFC to make.
Jon Jones runs into Alex Pereira at UFC 306
All of the stars were out in Las Vegas last night as the UFC delivered one of their most ambitious shows to date. The promotion had pumped $20million into production for the one-off event after Dana White was forced to find an alternative to the T-Mobile Arena for their Mexican Independence Day show.
One of the biggest names in attendance was Jon Jones, who also announced his return to competition against Stipe Miocic on the night. And he was joined by many big name fighters, most notably Alex Pereira.
Jones and Pereira met at cageside, shaking hands and sharing a brief conversation before posing for photographs. They also took part in a video dancing with social media influencer ‘Nina Drama’ where they appeared friendly.
Alex Pereira makes surprise deal with Jon Jones
Speaking after their meeting, Pereira explained that he understands it’s unlikely he will get the chance to fight Jones, who is nearing the end of his career. The 37-year-old has teased retirement as soon as after UFC 309, and would likely only have one more fight after that anyway.
Instead, the light-heavyweight champion claimed that after his own fight at UFC 307 against Khalil Rountree Jr, he will link up with Jones and the pair will train together. Pereira is based in Connecticut were he works with Glover Texeira, and would be able to join up with a New York camp for Jones.
"I think there's some good time, his fight is only in November," Pereira told Full Send. "There's always something coming off a fight, a small injury, so we can get some rest and then train together. A lot of people talk about this superfight but I think I have to make the most of this guy's experience.
"He has a ton of experience, but people are talking about him maybe doing only one or two fights more, and I'm not even at heavyweight yet. I don't know if that's possible, but I want to at least be training with him."
Jon Jones called for fight with Alex Pereira earlier this year
It was only this May that Jones was calling for a fight with Pereira in one of his final bouts. The heavyweight champion has flip-flopped on whether or not he will retire after fighting Miocic, now seemingly leaning in the direction of hanging up his gloves.
But at the time he noted that he feels the opportunity for the Brazilian to win a third world title would make for a fascinating legacy fight. “If Alex P became champion of the heavyweight division, would you guys consider him the GOAT?” He asked fans.
“Being back in the gym has got me thinking differently. That fight after Stipe maybe the next biggest move I could possibly make. This killer has already defeated so many champions, and is already considered a legend to millions around the world.
“The most massive fight the UFC could make. Give Alex a chance to avenge all those great Brazilian champions I've defeated. It would be absolutely massive. A guy with a chance to be three division champion and a goat versus the actual goat. Same age, different strengths.
“No one can argue that that would be the biggest fight in MMA history. There's absolutely no fight that generates a payday like that. Marketing would be insane.”
- Who is Alex Pereira?Get to know the MMA brawler as he lands one more massive KO at UFC 303
