Jon Jones received a clear and direct message from Alex Pereira.
It's 2026, and there's still no clarity on when (or if) the recently retired Jones will fight again. Pereira's plans are also unknown; he currently holds the UFC Light Heavyweight title but has openly stated his intentions to move to heavyweight and conquer a third division.
However, the lack of concrete information hasn't stopped both fighters from fueling rumors of a potential showdown. Pereira recently hinted at a fight with Jones on social media. In one of his posts, Pereira inadvertently showed a tire in the background with "Next – Jones" written on it.
Jones was quick to respond to "Poatan," posting a message on his Instagram stories.
“I’ve beaten many legends from your side, my friend,” Jones stated. “I know you’d like to avenge those guys, but oh, how sweet it would be to add you to my list. Be careful what you wish for.”
Jones concluded his message with Pereira's signature phrase, “Chama.”
As Jones noted, if he were to face Pereira, it wouldn't be his first clash with a Brazilian legend. In 2011, a then 23-year-old Jones became the youngest champion in UFC history after knocking out Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. He then had an incredible 10-year reign at the top of the 205-pound division, which included victories over Brazilian stars Lyoto Machida, Vitor Belfort, Glover Teixeira, and Thiago Santos.
In 2023, Jones claimed the UFC Heavyweight title, winning the vacant belt with a swift submission victory over Ciryl Gane.
Pereira is also a two-division UFC champion, having won titles at middleweight and light heavyweight. He is also a two-division kickboxing champion. In 2024, Pereira had an impressive run, defending his 205-pound belt three times in seven months. He lost the title to Magomed Ankalaev in March of this year but reclaimed it with another spectacular knockout in an immediate rematch at UFC 320.
The potential bout is complicated by the fact that Jones has often stated his intention to return at the UFC's White House event this June. However, UFC CEO Dana White has repeatedly said he doesn't trust the unpredictable Jones enough to include him in such a significant gala, and Pereira has hinted that a White House appearance is not on the cards.