Alex Pereira is no longer dismissing the idea of moving up to heavyweight to face the greatest fighter of all time.
The light-heavyweight champion has previously downplayed the possibility of a super-fight against Jon Jones for a historic third world title. However, Pereira is now considering it seriously, believing the matchup will soon become “inevitable.”
First, Jon Jones must defend his undisputed heavyweight title against the seemingly unstoppable interim champion Tom Aspinall. However, Pereira believes that once that fight is out of the way, there will be no obstacles to their potential showdown.
Alex Pereira Says Jon Jones vs. Himself is ‘Inevitable’ If Jones Defeats Tom Aspinall
While focusing on his own title defence against Magomed Ankalaev, Alex Pereira also acknowledges the need for a unification of the heavyweight belts. However, he believes that once that happens and if Jon Jones wins, a fight between the two may finally be on the horizon. Alex Pereira told reporters while he was at the World MMA Awards in Las Vegas yesterday;
“I don’t know because he has to go through Aspinall first,”
“That’s his next challenge, but I think if he beats Tom Aspinall, then it’s going to be inevitable.”
Alex Pereira’s “if” is significant, especially considering the impressive run Aspinall has been on since joining the UFC. Aside from a freak injury against Curtis Blaydes, Aspinall has maintained an undefeated record, with only one fight going past the first round, which he won in the second.
Jon Jones Explains Why Fighting Alex Pereira is a Bigger Legacy Move Than Facing Tom Aspinall
While Jon Jones has recently shown interest in facing Tom Aspinall, he has always preferred the idea of fighting Alex Pereira. At 37 years old, the all-time great wants to solidify his legacy with major victories and sees Pereira as a more significant name for his record than the British contender. Jon Jones said of Aspinall before his victory against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last month;
“He does nothing for me,”
“If you’re someone who wants to see me really challenged, I get it. Seven years younger, 35 pounds bigger than me, right?”
“I get the narrative: ‘Jon is so good, we finally found someone way younger and way bigger than him. Let’s see how he does against that.’ But for me, if you were my manager, if you were on my team, why not fight Pereira?”
“He’s the same age as me, and we’re the same size. I had to eat a big breakfast to get under 235lbs. Pereira walks around at like 240lbs and has impressive accolades. From a business standpoint, it makes more sense.”
“Do I fight the guy who may be more dangerous or the one with all the accolades who will impact my legacy? Beating Ciryl Gane didn’t change anything for me, just brought in more money. It would be the same with Aspinall. But when you look back, ‘Jon just beat Alex Pereira,’ that’s bigger. It’s just bigger. And anyone who doesn’t understand that logic doesn’t want to.”
Dana White Confirms Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Must Happen Before Pereira Showdown
It seems that a fight between Jon Jones and Alex Pereira is inevitable, however, UFC president Dana White has made it clear that before that can happen, the heavyweight champion must face Tom Aspinall. Dana White said after UFC 309 in New York;
“This is a fight they both want, and it’s the fight that needs to happen,”
“Tom Aspinall is a serious contender, no doubt about it. But Tom has to wait until these legends settle their fight, then he’ll get his chance.”
Dana White has added that if Jon Jones wins, he will likely take on the fight with Alex Pereira;
“We’ll have to work it out with Jon, but he’s a guy who loves proving people wrong.”
Featured image credits to Embed From Getty Images
