Alex Pereira, out of competition since March, is reportedly preparing for a dramatic UFC comeback that could pit him against recently retired Jon Jones in a heavyweight bout. Insider information from a UFC Hall of Famer suggests this unexpected matchup might be the next step for ‘Poatan,’ marking a significant shift away from Pereira’s previous focus on the light heavyweight division.
During his time as the light heavyweight champion, Pereira was one of the most active titleholders in UFC history. Despite losing his championship to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, Pereira has not prioritized a rematch, even as Ankalaev has publicly challenged and provoked him on social media. Meanwhile, Pereira has maintained a quiet and measured stance.
Chael Sonnen Reveals Details About Pereira’s Move to Heavyweight
Chael Sonnen, a former title challenger and longstanding UFC figure, recently shared insights into Pereira’s shifting career path. Sonnen referenced a social media post from Pereira, where the fighter was seen weighing 246 pounds, signaling his readiness to compete in the heavyweight division. Sonnen disclosed that an anonymous, reliable source close to Pereira confirmed that Pereira desires a heavyweight fight with Jon Jones, who retired from MMA a few weeks prior.
“Wednesday of last week, Pereira put out a social media piece on something the kids call Instagram. And he just took a picture of himself on a scale, and then the number on the scale read 246 pounds. What story is he attempting to tell us?… He is attempting to let us know, ‘I’m as big as the heavyweights’… [A person called and told me] The fight Alex Pereira is campaigning for at heavyweight is against Jon Jones… This person is very tied to Alex Pereira… This information is as accurate as it can be.”
—Chael Sonnen, Former UFC Title Challenger
Uncertainty Surrounds UFC’s Willingness to Schedule Pereira vs. Jones
Despite reports that Pereira is pushing for a heavyweight bout with Jon Jones, Sonnen expressed doubts about whether the UFC has the motivation to make this fight happen. He questioned the appetite within the UFC’s leadership, including Dana White, to position Jones—a fighter well past his prime—as a contender, especially considering Jones’s uncertain future in the sport.
“I don’t know where the appetite is at the UFC for Jon Jones, the contender. For Jon Jones, being in a Nate Diaz role. Where you could fight anybody, in any weight class, for any reason. Conor McGregor is in that same category.”
—Chael Sonnen, Former UFC Title Challenger
Sonnen further noted the risk of Jones retiring abruptly after a potential win against Pereira, which could leave the UFC in a difficult position, undermining their investment in the matchup and any long-term contender plans involving Jones.
Implications of a Heavyweight Fight Between Two MMA Legends
If realized, the Alex Pereira vs Jon Jones fight would represent a headline-grabbing event between two of MMA’s most talented fighters from different eras. Pereira’s move to heavyweight would mark a bold attempt to reinvent his UFC career after setbacks in the light heavyweight division, while Jones’s return could reopen debates about his legacy and future. The fight also holds significant interest due to Jones’s recent retirement announcement, adding an unpredictable layer to the stakes.
Given the ongoing negotiations and strategic considerations within the UFC, fans and analysts will closely watch any official confirmation of this heavyweight showdown, which could dramatically reshape the landscape of the division and the sport itself.