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Alex Pereira Almost Called Out UFC Legend For Mega Fight

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 11:37 AM ET

Fresh off reclaiming the UFC light heavyweight title with a violent first-round finish of Magomed Ankalaev, Alex Pereira revealed he had a blockbuster callout ready Jon Jones but stopped short out of respect for a personal tragedy in the Jones family.

The callout that wasn’t

Speaking to reporters after the fight, Pereira (13–3 MMA, 10–2 UFC) said he had prepared remarks to challenge Jones next. Instead, during his in-cage interview with Joe Rogan, he asked the T-Mobile Arena crowd for a moment of silence for Arthur Jones, Jon’s older brother, who died on Friday.

“With all due respect… I was gonna ask for Jon Jones at the White House, but with everything that happened, it’s not the right time to talk about it,” Pereira said through an interpreter.

The gesture drew a brief public response from Jones: “Wow Alex

” on X.

Alex Pereira wants to fight Jon Jones at the UFC White House event next year pic.twitter.com/00xitw5eJ4

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) October 5, 2025

Heavyweight ambitions — and UFC’s temperature check

Pereira also reiterated that he’s seriously considering a move to heavyweight, potentially chasing a title in a third UFC division. UFC CEO Dana White isn’t entirely opposed but has indicated he sees compelling fights for Pereira at 205 right now.

Would he vacate 205 to move up?

In an era where some champions have had to vacate before moving up in weight, Pereira said he doesn’t believe that should apply to him.

“I don’t think that’s needed. Everyone knows how often I fight, so that’s not gonna be an issue.”

Big-picture takeaway

Pereira’s post-fight restraint signaled respect first, business second even with a superfight on the tip of his tongue.
Heavyweight talk is real, but timing (and the UFC’s plans at 205) will dictate whether it happens next.
For now, the newly crowned champion holds leverage and options at the top of the sport.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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