UFC star Alex Pereira remains optimistic about a future showdown with Jon Jones, despite recent setbacks. Pereira is currently preparing for his heavyweight debut at UFC Freedom 250, where he will challenge Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship.
Jones had previously expressed interest in fighting Pereira, even mentioning a desire to compete at the White House. However, UFC President Dana White stated that Jones was never a contender for a June 14 fight. Jones subsequently claimed that lowball offers from the UFC led to stalled negotiations, preventing the highly anticipated super fight with Pereira from materializing.
Following White’s remarks, Jones publicly requested his release from the UFC, suggesting he has nothing left to offer the promotion.
Nonetheless, Pereira believes the UFC will not release Jones prematurely. He anticipates a future clash with Jones, stating on The Ariel Helwani Show, “I believe it happens because he has to be released from the UFC, and I don’t think the UFC is going to release him anytime soon. If he wants to fight, who’s going to be against him? It’s going to be against me.”
Alex Pereira Signs New UFC Deal, Focuses on Heavyweight
In the same interview, Alex Pereira disclosed that he has signed a new eight-fight contract with the UFC. He expressed no regrets about vacating his light heavyweight title to move up a division. Pereira commented, “Honestly, I just wanted to let go of my belt and fight heavyweights, maybe even fight for a belt. But even if it was a regular fight, I just expressed that I wanted to do a heavyweight fight, and they really took good care of me. The way they gave me this last contract was so good that I left it open for them to do whatever they wanted; it didn’t matter.”
Pereira further confirmed his intention to conclude his career in the heavyweight division, ruling out any return to the 205-pound weight class.