Pereira Rules Out Training With Jones; Will They Fight Next?
Alex Pereira has no interest in training with Jon Jones, which has led to speculation that they could face off in the future.
The fight has been talked about for sometime, as Jones must decide who he faces next unless he retires. Bones is the UFC Heavyweight Champion, a belt he defended after sending Stipe Miocic into retirement in his last fight at UFC 309. Jones has achieved everything in the sport, allowing him to walk away. But he has been linked with two names: Pereira and Tom Aspinall.
Pereira is the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, who defended his belt by stopping Khalil Rountree Jr. in his last fight at UFC 304. Alex defends his title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. The Brazilian knows a win will increase the calls on him to face Jones since Ankalaev is the leading contender at light heavyweight.
Pereira On Jones
Jones has talked up this fight by stating that Pereira is a bigger name than Tom. It also allows Pereira to make history by becoming a three-weight UFC champion. Alex now feels there is a chance the fight could happen, meaning he will not give too much away by training with Jones.
“To be honest, I don’t think that makes as much sense anymore. Back when I said that I would like to fight at heavyweight, people already put the dots together and basically mentioned Jon Jones. That’s something that is speculated, even if it’s just by the fans. So I wouldn’t want to go and train with him now, and then if we end up fighting, people will start saying a bunch of stuff about whatever in the fight. I think it wouldn’t make sense now, but if we were to fight one day and then go train, I think it would make total sense,” Pereira said
Aspinall’s Chance
If Pereira does not get the fight, Aspinall is waiting in the wings. Tom is next for the title shot after having knocked out Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304. However, Jones has shown that he is not fully keen on the fight by talking down Tom’s achievements. He was clear that Aspinall will not offer him anything. However, Jones has also stated that any fight can be made if the offer is right. Tom can continue chasing Jones or move on elsewhere if the UFC does not strip him. Aspinall made it clear he wanted the fight, putting the onus on Jones to make it happen.
“Where we’re at right now is I have spoke to the UFC on multiple occasions about this fight. I’m chasing it. I want the fight. I’ve been on record and said that I want the fight. I’ve been on the phone with the UFC saying that I want the fight, when’s it happening? I want the fight more than anyone. What is holding it up right now is his side. That’s the truth of it. The UFC really, really want the fight to happen,” Tom stated
Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.
