Jon Jones received Alex Pereira’s latest message loud and clear.
It’s only the start of 2026 so we have no idea when (or if) the recently retired Jones will fight again and we also don’t know what Pereira’s plans are, given that he currently holds the UFC light heavyweight title but has been up front about his intentions to move to heavyweight and conquer a third division.
A lack of concrete information hasn’t stopped either fighter from teasing a potential matchup, with Pereira recently teasing a Jones fight on social media. Pereira just so happened to feature a tire in the background of one of his posts that reads, “Next-Jones.”
Jones had his own message for Pereira, posting a response to “Poatan” on his Instagram stories.
“I’ve beat a lot of legends from your country, my friend,” Jones said. “I know you’d love to avenge the boys, but boy would you be a good one to add to my list. Be careful what you wish for.”
Jones signed off with Pereira’s signature catchphrase, “Chama.”
As Jones noted, should he face off with Pereira, it wouldn’t be his first matchup with a Brazilian legend. In 2011, a a 23-year-old Jones became the youngest champion in UFC history when he knocked out Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. He then went on an incredible 10-year run 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 when he won a vacant belt with a quick submission win over Ciryl Gane.
Pereira is also a two-division UFC champion, having captured titles at middleweight and light heavyweight. Also a two-division champion in kickboxing, Pereira went on a tear in 2024, defending his 205-pound belt three times in seven months. He dropped the belt to Magomed Ankalaev this past March, but regained it with another highlight-reel knockout in an immediate rematch at UFC 320.
Complicating the potential matchup is the fact that Jones has frequently stated his intention to make his comeback at this June’s UFC White House event. However, UFC CEO Dana White has repeatedly said he doesn’t trust the mercurial Jones enough to book him on such an important card, and Pereira has hinted that a White House booking isn’t on the table.
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