Alex Pereira Provides Update on Jon Jones Fight After Signing New UFC Deal
Alex Pereira is set to face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title in June, but the Brazilian fighter remains hopeful of a future showdown with Jon Jones. The former dual-weight champion recently signed a new eight-fight contract with the UFC, solidifying his commitment to the promotion.
Historic Fight and Contract Details
Pereira, known as 'Poatan', confirmed he penned a fresh deal ahead of his return to the octagon. On June 14, he will make history by competing for the interim heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250, an event scheduled at the White House. At 38 years old, Pereira relinquished the 205lb light-heavyweight belt to move up to heavyweight, primarily in pursuit of a super-fight with Jon Jones.
However, initial plans for a clash with Jones fell through after UFC CEO Dana White and the organisation failed to reach terms with the fighter. Jones had initially retired but reversed his decision upon learning of the UFC's trip to Washington. Pereira's bout with Gane marks the start of his new contract, offering him a prime opportunity to capture gold in another weight division.
Pereira's Comments and Future Plans
In an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Pereira expressed his satisfaction with the new contract. "Honestly, it was a pretty easy choice," he said. "When I expressed that I wanted to go up in weight, I of course had to let go of one of the belts because they gave me a new contract. I'm really, really happy with my new contract. I want to thank Mick Maynard, Hunter Campbell, and Dana White for it. With this new deal that they gave to me, I don't care about letting go of the belt or anything like that. They took really good care of me."
After moving up to heavyweight, Pereira plans to stay in this division long-term, insisting there is nothing left for him to achieve at light-heavyweight. "I could make light heavyweight again, but I don't think there's anything new for me there," he explained. "Many guys just go in the heat of the moment, and they jump a weight class, they lose, they come back. No. I've been expressing for a long time that I've been wanting to fight at heavyweight. So, I think I'll stay around here."
Optimism for a Jon Jones Bout
Despite pushing for a fight with Jones, Pereira revealed there were never any formal discussions with the UFC about facing him. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic that a bout will eventually materialise. "I believe it's still possible. As long as I win this fight, right?" he said. "Because otherwise, it doesn't make too much sense. I'm a dangerous guy. Why would he put himself on the line? But I believe I will win in this fight. It's a big chance. I believe it happens because he has asked to be released from the UFC. I don't think the UFC's going to release him anytime soon. So, if he's going to fight, who's it going to be against? It's going to be against me."
This update highlights Pereira's determination and strategic career moves as he navigates the competitive landscape of MMA, with eyes firmly set on a potential legacy-defining fight against Jon Jones.
