Alex Pereira Still Anticipates Jon Jones Showdown, Eyes Heavyweight Future

Alex Pereira is confident that a highly anticipated fight against Jon Jones will eventually happen. Currently, Pereira is preparing for his heavyweight debut at UFC Freedom 250, where he will compete for the interim 265-pound championship against Ciryl Gane.

Jon Jones had previously expressed interest in a bout with "Poatan," even suggesting a fight at the White House. However, UFC President Dana White stated that Jones was not considered for the June 14 card. Jones later accused the UFC of offering him insufficient compensation, leading to the collapse of negotiations and preventing a highly anticipated superfight with Pereira from materializing.

Following White's remarks, Jones has reportedly requested his release from the UFC, implying he believes the promotion undervalues his contributions.

Pereira, however, is convinced that the UFC will not release Jones in the near future and anticipates a confrontation with the American champion. During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, the 38-year-old stated, "I believe it will happen because he needs to be released from the UFC, and I don't think they're letting him go anytime soon. If he wants to fight, it will be against me."

Alex Pereira Secures New UFC Contract

In the same interview with Ariel Helwani, Alex Pereira disclosed that he has inked a new eight-fight agreement with the UFC. He expressed no regrets about vacating his light heavyweight title to move up to the heavyweight division. Pereira explained, "Honestly, I just wanted to give up my belt and fight heavyweights, perhaps even vie for a championship. But even if it was just a regular fight, I simply expressed my desire for a heavyweight bout, and they truly looked after me well. The terms of this new contract were so favorable that I gave them free rein to decide my matchups; it truly didn't matter."

Furthermore, Pereira confirmed his intention to conclude his fighting career as a heavyweight, with no plans to return to the 205-pound light heavyweight category.