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Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Will Jon Jones Fight Alex Pereira?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Aug 15, 2024 9:18 AM ET

Dana White has ruled out Jon Jones ever fighting Alex Pereira.

Jones and Pereira hinted at a fight following Alex’s win over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303. The Brazilian knocked out his opponent in the second round with a flying leg kick to follow up on his UFC 295 win, which ended in a stoppage, too. After his win, Pereira discussed the idea of moving up to heavyweight. He welcomed the possibility if the fans wanted it. Jones was also receptive to the idea, saying the fight is much bigger than a Tom Aspinall one.

“You actually think me fighting Tom would be more massive than Alex and I colliding? Tom only matters in the U.K., newsflash. Pereira is one of the most polarizing figures this sport has seen. Tom’s a contender who won a belt against another contender. We had to save Madison Square Garden’s main event. I’m thinking dollar signs, legacy, big picture here. Not what U.K. fans are dying to see. Literally just went through this with the French fans,” Jones revealed

White Reacts

Aspinall is the current UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion, who avenged his only loss against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in his last bout. Following his win, White confirmed that Aspinall would get the title shot next against either Jones or Stipe Miocic, who are expected to fight by the end of the year. Pereira stated he would only move up to fight for the title. That suggested it was only for the Jones fight since Tom is not the title holder. White confirmed that there is no chance of Jones facing Pereira.

Dana White immediately shuts down a potential fight between Jon Jones and Alex Pereira

“NO!”

@PatMcAfeeShow #UFC #MMA
pic.twitter.com/4hgmmIUpkO
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 13, 2024

“No. That was easy, that was quick. Everybody on the internet is stupid. Anybody who thinks Jon Jones isn’t the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world should never be discussing fighting ever, period, end of story,” White said

Those comments are understandable for various reasons. Fans are demanding that Jones face off against Aspinall next. There is a perception that Jones is ducking the interim champion by taking the Miocic fight. Miocic is 41 and has not had a UFC fight in around three years since getting knocked out by Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 in 2021.

Aspinall Responds

While he is considered one of the best heavyweights ever, he is not the same fighter he once was. White also said that Miocic would retire after the Jones fight. There is also suggestions that Jones could retire, meaning the belt would become vacant and thus prevent a Pereira fight regardless.

If Jones were to retire, Aspinall could face off against Pereira for the vacant belt. The Brit hinted that the fight would eventually happen, stating it would occur at heavyweight for the title. Depending on the outcome of Jones-Miocic, fans could see Pereira at heavyweight.

“The guy’s a superstar in the sport, so you do whatever you want. But, it would be, for sure, if we’re both on the same page, it would be for the undisputed heavyweight title. So, maybe see you next year at some point. Like I’ve said, I’ve got a lot of respect for Alex Pereira, what he’s done for the sport, especially in a short amount of time…But if we’re gonna make it happen, it’s gonna be for the undisputed title, so see him there,” Aspinall stated

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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