Jones Says Pereira Fight Would've Been One-Sided

Jon Jones says a fight with Alex Pereira would have ended decisively in his favour.

The retired heavyweight champion told ALF Global he believes his wrestling and size advantage would have overwhelmed Pereira had the two squared off when Jones was still active. Per BJ Penn, Jones said Pereira's grappling is "way behind" and that his physical strength "would've been too much" for the former light heavyweight king.

Jones On Pereira's Size And Wrestling

"I've watched Pereira train," Jones said. "I see his level of wrestling, and it's way behind. I feel as if Stipe Miocic is a true heavyweight. He's a big, big boy. Ciryl Gane, when you see him in person, he's a big, big boy. Alex Pereira is not a big, big boy. He's a lean guy. Right now, I think he weighs maybe 250. I feel as if my physical strength would've been too much for him, and I felt as if the moment I would've gotten him to the ground, my submissions would've come pretty quickly."

Jones pushed for the Pereira matchup after stopping Stipe Miocic in 2024, showing more interest in the Brazilian than interim champion Tom Aspinall. That fight never materialised. Jones retired following the Miocic win while Pereira's move to heavyweight ended when he lost to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250.

The two fighters had a brief public misunderstanding after UFC Freedom 250 when Jones posted about his GOAT status following Dana White's comment that Pereira could have surpassed him with a win over Gane. Jones later clarified his post was aimed at critics, not Pereira.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Jon Jones thinks Alex Pereira dream fight would’ve been one-sided: “My physical strength would’ve been too much”