Alex Pereira has never been one to shy away from a challenge.
The reigning UFC light heavyweight champion has carved out a reputation as a fearless striker with devastating knockout power, and now, he has set his sights on what may be his most ambitious challenge yet—Jon Jones.
The longtime UFC heavyweight champion and widely regarded greatest mixed martial artist of all time has yet to respond, but Pereira’s intent is clear: he wants to test himself against the best.
This challenge is not just about adding another belt to his collection; it’s about solidifying his legacy in combat sports.
Pereira has already conquered the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, cementing his place as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport.
However, a win over Jones—who has dominated the UFC for well over a decade—would elevate his name to a level few have ever reached.
Why Pereira Believes He Can Beat Jon Jones
At first glance, a fight between Pereira and Jones seems like an uphill battle for the Brazilian.
Jon Jones, who is undefeated in his professional MMA career aside from a controversial disqualification, possesses a skill set that has overwhelmed every opponent he has faced.
His wrestling, fight IQ, and adaptability have allowed him to dominate some of the most dangerous fighters in multiple generations of the sport.
Pereira, however, is not your average challenger. He brings something to the table that Jones has rarely faced: an elite, world-class striking pedigree. His background in kickboxing has made him one of the most feared knockout artists in MMA. His precision, power, and ability to control range are unmatched in the light heavyweight division.
In his statement calling for the fight, Pereira exuded confidence, stating, “I’m ready for this challenge. Let’s make the fight happen.”
His willingness to move up in weight, despite already holding the light heavyweight title, shows that he is not looking for easy fights—he wants to fight the best.
The Challenge of Moving Up to Heavyweight
If Pereira were to make the jump to heavyweight to face Jones, he would be entering unknown territory. At 6’4” and with a massive frame, he already cuts a significant amount of weight to make 205 pounds.
Moving up to heavyweight would likely allow him to fight at a more natural weight, possibly in the 230-240 pound range. However, this also comes with challenges.
Jones has made a seamless transition to heavyweight, showing in his fight against Ciryl Gane that he can carry the extra weight effectively while maintaining his strength and grappling prowess.
Against Gane, Jones used his wrestling to secure a quick first-round submission victory, demonstrating that even in a new division, he remains as dominant as ever.
Pereira, on the other hand, has yet to be tested against an elite heavyweight. The additional weight could impact his speed and cardio, both of which are key elements of his success at lower weight classes.
However, Pereira’s power is undeniable, and if he can maintain his striking effectiveness while adding weight, he could present Jones with a serious challenge.
How the Fight Could Play Out
Stylistically, Pereira vs. Jon Jones is one of the most intriguing matchups the UFC could book. It’s a classic striker-versus-grappler contest, with Pereira’s kickboxing going up against Jones’ wrestling and submission skills.
Jones would almost certainly look to exploit Pereira’s ground game. While Pereira has shown improvement in his takedown defense, particularly in his wins over former champion Jan Błachowicz and Jiri Prochazka, Jones operates at an entirely different level when it comes to wrestling.
If Jones can take the fight to the mat, he would have a significant advantage, as Pereira has yet to be tested against a grappler of Jones’ caliber.
On the feet, however, Pereira holds the edge. His striking is sharper, more technical, and more devastating than anything Jones has encountered in his career.
While Jones has faced elite strikers such as Lyoto Machida and Alexander Gustafsson, neither had the pure knockout power or the kickboxing expertise that Pereira possesses.
If Pereira can keep the fight standing, he has a legitimate chance to land a fight-ending shot.
One of the biggest factors in this fight would be Jones’ ability to absorb damage.
Throughout his career, Jon Jones has displayed an incredible chin, having taken powerful shots from some of the hardest hitters in the sport without ever being knocked out.
Pereira, however, has a different level of knockout power, as evidenced by his brutal finishes over fighters like Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya.
Will the Fight Actually Happen?
As exciting as this matchup sounds, the biggest question is whether it will ever materialize. Jones is currently recovering from an injury that forced him out of a scheduled title defense against Stipe Miocic.
While Jones has expressed interest in facing Miocic once he returns, the UFC has remained non-committal about his next move.
Pereira, meanwhile, is actively competing at light heavyweight and may have other challengers to deal with before making a move to heavyweight.
Fighters like Magomed Ankalaev and Jamahal Hill are potential title contenders who could demand Pereira’s attention before he can pursue a superfight with Jones.
There is also the question of whether Jon Jones would even entertain the fight.
Throughout his career, Jones has been selective about his opponents, often preferring fights that add to his legacy rather than simply taking on any challenger.
A fight against Pereira would undoubtedly be high-profile, but it remains to be seen if Jones sees it as a risk worth taking.
The Fight That Could Define Two Legacies
If this fight does happen, it would be one of the most significant matchups in modern MMA history.
For Pereira, a win over Jones would solidify him as one of the greatest fighters of this generation, proving that his striking prowess can translate across multiple weight classes. It would also make him a two-division champion, further cementing his place among the all-time greats.
For Jones, a victory over Pereira would only add to his already legendary resume.
It would prove that he can dominate not only traditional heavyweights but also an elite striker moving up from the lower weight classes. A win would further cement his claim as the greatest fighter of all time, leaving little room for debate.
Regardless of whether the fight happens, Pereira’s willingness to call out Jones speaks volumes about his mindset.
He is not content with simply defending his light heavyweight title—he wants the biggest challenges, the toughest opponents, and the chance to prove himself against the best.
In a sport where many fighters carefully pick their battles, Pereira’s fearlessness is refreshing. If the UFC can make this fight happen, it has all the makings of an all-time classic.
