In a bold strategic move, Alex Pereira, fresh off his dramatic recapture of the light heavyweight title – a feat not seen since Jon Jones in 2018 – has declared his intention for a blockbuster superfight against heavyweight champion Jon Jones. This decision by `Poatan,` who swiftly became a two-time champion at 205 pounds after moving up from middleweight and secured a stunning 80-second knockout of Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, sees him aiming for a third divisional ascent rather than engaging with the winner of a potential Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane bout.
Daniel Cormier: Jon Jones Poses a Greater Challenge for Alex Pereira than Tom Aspinall
Pereira`s high-profile challenge to Jones has ignited a familiar debate, with some segments of the MMA community accusing him of sidestepping interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. However, former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier has firmly rejected this notion. In a recent YouTube video, Cormier asserted that a clash with Jon Jones presents a significantly tougher challenge for `Poatan` than a fight with Aspinall.
Cormier acknowledged Aspinall`s formidable skill, stating, “Tom Aspinall is a very difficult matchup for anyone.” Yet, he emphasized the unique difficulty presented by Jones: “But the Jon Jones fight for Pereira, of all the other four (options), is the most difficult fight for Pereira. It speaks to the kind of man that Alex is.” Cormier praised Pereira`s courageous choice, noting how it reflects a shifting landscape in MMA where “legacy fights” often take precedence over title defenses. “Alex called out the hardest fight possible,” Cormier continued, adding, “It also shows where we are in today’s world of mixed martial arts. Like with Conor McGregor, people are almost valuing the fight over the belt.” He further highlighted the significance of Pereira`s decision by pointing out the easier path he could have chosen: “Right now, it would be very easy for Alex to go, ‘I want to fight Tom Aspinall.`”
Charles Oliveira`s Mixed Feelings on a Potential Pereira vs. Jones Superfight
The prospect of Pereira facing Jones in 2026 has garnered support from many, including his celebrated compatriot, Charles Oliveira. Yet, Oliveira admits to experiencing mixed emotions about this potential superfight.
Speaking before his upcoming return at UFC Rio, Oliveira conveyed his “apprehension” regarding a Pereira vs. Jones showdown. He expressed profound respect for Jon Jones, recounting their shared journey in the UFC. “Talking about Jon Jones is a bit complicated,” Oliveira remarked (translated from Portuguese), “Because I admire him a lot. When I fought the first time, Jon Jones was there. When I was the breakthrough fighter, Jon Jones was there. I was number two, he was number one. I admire him a lot. He was there when I fought Michael Chandler the second time.” Despite his deep admiration for Jones, Oliveira affirmed his unwavering support for his fellow Brazilian. “It’s definitely going to be a fight that I will sit down and cheer for Brazil, for ‘Poatan’,” he concluded. “But I’ll be apprehensive watching it because (Jones) is great.”
