Jon Jones interested in Alex Pereira fight, says Tom Aspinall only relevant in UK

03 May 2024

Former light heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones is actively considering his next move in the UFC's heavyweight division after adding another feather to his cap in March 2023 by dispatching Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. While he has been eyeing a showdown with Stipe Miocic, recent developments in the heavyweight scene have piqued his interest.

Jones, nicknamed "Bones," has been fielding proposals from interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall, who has been clamoring for a unification bout. Additionally, there's intrigue around a potential clash with Alex Pereira, the current light heavyweight champion eyeing a move up for a shot at the heavyweight title.

In a recent series of social media posts, Jones engaged fans, asking them to weigh in on his potential opponents. "Who would you guys want to see me fight the most, Alex or Tom?" he questioned.

Aspinall staked his claim to the interim heavyweight throne with a blistering 69-second knockout of Sergei Pavlovich last November. The British standout has been vocal about his desire to face Jones, whether in a unification fight or a defense of his interim belt against another contender. However, Jones has expressed a preference for a Miocic showdown.

Pereira, known for his kickboxing prowess, hasn't competed in the heavyweight ranks yet but has a notable MMA resume. After claiming the middleweight title by defeating Israel Adesanya and then moving up to win the light heavyweight belt with a knockout of Jiri Prochazka, Pereira has Jones contemplating the possibility of a three-division champion. "If Alex P became champion of the heavyweight division, would you guys consider him the GOAT?" Jones pondered.

ALSO READ | Jon Jones reacts to latest Instagram post from Valentina Shevchenko

The idea of facing Pereira intrigues Jones. "That fight after Stipe may be the next biggest move I could possibly make," he shared. "There’s absolutely no fight that generates a payday like that. Marketing would be insane."

Jones, widely regarded as one of the sport's greatest despite several off-stage controversies, including a 2015 hit-and-run incident and a positive drug test in 2016, has his sights set on a legacy-defining clash in the heavyweight realm. While Aspinall presses for a shot, Jones seems more swayed by the potential of a mega-fight with Pereira, dismissing concerns over Aspinall's draw outside of the UK.

"Tom only matters in the U.K., newsflash," Jones responded. "Pereira is one of the most polarizing figures this sport has seen."

As the 36-year-old fighter carefully weighs his options, fans eagerly await Jon Jones' next move in what could be another historic chapter in his storied career.