The firestorm of talk across MMA media, forums, and fight fans centers on one fight: Jon Jones vs Alex Pereira. In the wake of Pereira’s dramatic knockout win to reclaim his light heavyweight title, speculation has surged that this matchup could be the next big spectacle. Below, we unpack what’s being said online, what challenges would exist for the bout, and why the fight is generating so much heat.
After defeating Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 to retake the belt, Pereira immediately signaled that he wants a superfight — not just at 205 but possibly at heavyweight — and he named Jon Jones as the ideal opponent. He’s said he doesn’t want to waste time, pointing to both fighters being past their physical primes.
That public challenge ignited waves of discussion about matchups, odds, and weight division implications. Some insider commentary suggests that if Jones hears the buzz, he might be tempted to drop back down to 205 just to make it happen.
On Reddit and fight forums, fans are split. Some say this is the most compelling fight left to make — “Bones vs Poatan” — while others call it mismatched or argue Jones is ducking more dangerous opponents.
One recurring theme: if Jones fights Pereira instead of Aspinall or other top heavyweights, what would that say about his ambition and legacy?
Pereira spent most of his career in middleweight and light heavyweight before moving up. Jones is already a heavyweight. To meet in the middle (205) would require Jones to drop weight and Pereira to possibly bulk up — an awkward middle ground.
Pereira reportedly broke his foot during the Ankalaev fight, and he’s expected to be sidelined for the remainder of 2025. That delay naturally pushes any potential superfight into mid-2026 or beyond.
UFC CEO Dana White has expressed skepticism about scheduling it. There are logistical, promotional, and division politics to untangle. Fighters’ contract status, ranking obligations, and champion vs challenger dynamics all play a role.
Also, Jones has teased retirement multiple times and recently unretired for the proposed White House card. Whether he fully commits to that return or just floats the idea is part of the uncertainty.