Alex Pereira reveals conversation with Jon Jones after front row photo at Noche UFC goes viral, weighs in on potential fight
Alex Pereira discussed his recent interaction with Jon Jones and plans for competition after Noche UFC 306. Pereira and Jones are currently the champions of the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, respectively. While there have been talks of a potential superfight between the two, they were seated next to each other at the recent pay-per-view and cordially posed for a picture that went viral.
In an interview with Full Send MMA, Pereira detailed his interaction with Jones and shared what he discussed with the heavyweight champion:
"We were both seated in the front row, next to each other. We've been talking about training together for a long time but it hasn't happened." [Translated by Plinio Cruz]
Pereira will attempt the third defense of his light heavyweight title against No.8-ranked Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307. Meanwhile, Jones will make his much-awaited return to competition against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. When asked if he would train with the heavyweight champion ahead of his comeback fight, 'Poatan' said:
"I think so, because his fight will be in November so we'll have time... A week or two sometimes... I think I have enough time." [Translated by Plinio Cruz]
In recent months, talks of Pereira's potential move up to heavyweight have been getting louder in the MMA community. Many expect him to fight 'Bones' or interim champion Tom Aspinall in the 265-pound weight class but the potential size discrepancy has been one of the major topics of debate.
After their recent interaction, Pereira shared his thoughts on Jones' size and the chances of their fight coming to fruition:
"Jon is heavyweight-sized and I feel like I am heavyweight-sized too. Today, I thought he looked more athletic, more fit than the last time he fought. I want to get his experience. Sometimes people say he is going to fight one or two times more. I don't know if I will be able to share the cage with him but at least I want to get the experience of training with him." [Translated by Plinio Cruz]
Check out Alex Pereira's comments below: