Jon Jones make surprising deal with Alex Pereira after run-in at UFC 306 following callout for heavyweight showdown
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones last night officially announced his return to the cage, but faced off with someone fans were more keen to see him fight.
The legendary two-weight world champion is due to face Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November at Madison Square Garden, with the card fully announced last night. And Jones was in attendance at UFC 306 in Las Vegasâ new Sphere venue, alongside a host of famous names.
One name in particular drew interest as he finally came head-to-head with light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. The Brazilian has been touted as a prospective opponent for Jones, with the American even claiming a bout between the pair could be the biggest fight possible for UFC to make.
Who is Jon Jones? Inside the life and career of one of the greatest UFC fighters in historyJon Jones runs into Alex Pereira at UFC 306All of the stars were out in Las Vegas last night as the UFC delivered one of their most ambitious shows to date. The promotion had pumped $20million into production for the one-off event after Dana White was forced to find an alternative to the T-Mobile Arena for their Mexican Independence Day show.
One of the biggest names in attendance was Jon Jones, who also announced his return to competition against Stipe Miocic on the night. And he was joined by many big name fighters, most notably Alex Pereira.
Jones and Pereira met at cageside, shaking hands and sharing a brief conversation before posing for photographs. They also took part in a video dancing with social media influencer âNina Dramaâ where they appeared friendly.
Alex Pereira makes surprise deal with Jon JonesSpeaking after their meeting, Pereira explained that he understands itâs unlikely he will get the chance to fight Jones, who is nearing the end of his career. The 37-year-old has teased retirement as soon as after UFC 309, and would likely only have one more fight after that anyway.
Instead, the light-heavyweight champion claimed that after his own fight at UFC 307 against Khalil Rountree Jr, he will link up with Jones and the pair will train together. Pereira is based in Connecticut were he works with Glover Texeira, and would be able to join up with a New York camp for Jones.
âI think thereâs some good time, his fight is only in November,â Pereira told Full Send. âThereâs always something coming off a fight, a small injury, so we can get some rest and then train together. A lot of people talk about this superfight but I think I have to make the most of this guyâs experience.
âHe has a ton of experience, but people are talking about him maybe doing only one or two fights more, and Iâm not even at heavyweight yet. I donât know if thatâs possible, but I want to at least be training with him.â
Jon Jones called for fight with Alex Pereira earlier this yearIt was only this May that Jones was calling for a fight with Pereira in one of his final bouts. The heavyweight champion has flip-flopped on whether or not he will retire after fighting Miocic, now seemingly leaning in the direction of hanging up his gloves.
But at the time he noted that he feels the opportunity for the Brazilian to win a third world title would make for a fascinating legacy fight. âIf Alex P became champion of the heavyweight division, would you guys consider him the GOAT?â He asked fans.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesâBeing back in the gym has got me thinking differently. That fight after Stipe maybe the next biggest move I could possibly make. This killer has already defeated so many champions, and is already considered a legend to millions around the world.
âThe most massive fight the UFC could make. Give Alex a chance to avenge all those great Brazilian champions Iâve defeated. It would be absolutely massive. A guy with a chance to be three division champion and a goat versus the actual goat. Same age, different strengths.
âNo one can argue that that would be the biggest fight in MMA history. Thereâs absolutely no fight that generates a payday like that. Marketing would be insane.â
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