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Alex Pereira told one win would make him the UFC GOAT in 2026 — but it’s not against Jon Jones

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Jan 3, 2026 2:56 PM ET

A UFC legend thinks one Alex Pereira fight could end the GOAT debate this year.

The Brazilian star has enjoyed a rapid rise to stardom and success in the UFC since crossing over to mixed martial arts following two-division glory in the kickboxing realm.

Pereira’s UFC 295 knockout against Jiri Prochazka in late 2023 saw him reach a second mountaintop on MMA’s biggest stage in the space of just two years, as he followed up a brief middleweight title reign with a light heavyweight crowning.

Now a two-time champion at 205 pounds, Pereira has won six of his eight UFC title fights and is beginning to have backers of his claim to GOAT status in the cage.

And one of Pereira’s most high-profile supporters in that regard thinks the debate will be well and truly over if ‘Poatan’ does one thing in 2026…

Chael Sonnen says Alex Pereira needs heavyweight title fight win to become the UFC GOAT

Pereira has been targeting the consensus leader in the GOAT discussion, former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

But while the fan-favorite Brazilian fighter wanted that super-fight to serve as his arrival in the heavyweight division, Chael Sonnen does not think a victory over ‘Bones’ is needed to cement Pereira’s greatness.

During a recent YouTube video, ‘The American Gangster’ said one heavyweight title win would be enough for Pereira to surpass ‘Bones’ in the race for the crown.

“I think Alex Pereira, with a win at heavyweight, becoming heavyweight champion, ends our ability to even have a discussion,” Sonnen said regarding the GOAT debate.

“When we talk about the greatest of all time, we just have to refer to Alex Pereira. I really think that.

“Everything that I hear behind the scenes involving Alex Pereira has to do with different possible matchups at heavyweight,” he added.

“If Alex Pereira is to become champion (at heavyweight), interim or undisputed status — if he does that in 2026, it will be one of the top stories.”

Dana White is not granting Alex Pereira’s UFC wish for 2026

Despite Sonnen’s suggestion that it is an undisputed or interim heavyweight title win that will secure GOAT status for ‘Poatan’ in the new year, the Brazilian has made his preference for a different fight clear.

After returning to the light heavyweight throne last October, Pereira immediately called out Jones, ignoring a third title for the time being in favor of a heavyweight super-fight at the White House.

Unfortunately for both the reigning 205-pound champ and the division’s legendary former ruler, however, the promotion is not on board.

Dana White has repeatedly rejected Jones’ comeback pleas, branding him too unreliable for the celebratory June 14 event in Washington D.C.

That has left Pereira pondering other options for his UFC return , and rumors have been swirling regarding a potential interim heavyweight title fight against Ciryl Gane.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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