The UFC’s light heavyweight division has always been a hotbed for blockbuster matchups and dramatic storylines, but the latest developments surrounding Alex Pereira have sent the fight world into overdrive. Not even two weeks have passed since Pereira reclaimed his light heavyweight crown from Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 in Las Vegas, and already, the possibilities for his next move are the talk of the MMA universe. Fans, pundits, and even fellow fighters are all weighing in, eager to see what the Brazilian powerhouse will do next as he stands at the crossroads of legacy and opportunity.
Pereira’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. Earlier in 2025, he suffered a setback, losing his coveted title to Ankalaev. Yet, displaying trademark resilience, Pereira stormed back in early October to recapture the belt, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s most reliable and electrifying stars. Now at 38 years old, Pereira is acutely aware that time waits for no fighter. As he explained in a recent appearance on the Podcast Connect Cast, “being 38 years old is a big reason why I decided that now was the right time to target a fight with Jones.”
Indeed, it’s Jon Jones—the enigmatic former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion—who has emerged as Pereira’s most desired opponent. The idea of a super fight between Pereira and Jones has captured the imagination of the MMA community. Both men have ruled the 205-pound division at different times, and both are now eyeing a matchup that could transcend belts and divisions. The UFC, ever the master of spectacle, has a major event planned at the White House in June 2026, just a month before Pereira turns 39. That’s the target date, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“It’s not just about aiming for more money. I like a challenge… I want to be the best,” Pereira declared on the podcast, making it clear that legacy, not just financial reward, is driving his ambitions. He’s proven doubters wrong before, first in kickboxing, then in MMA, and now he’s set his sights on making history once again—potentially in the boxing ring after his UFC journey comes to a close.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The fight game is as unpredictable as it is thrilling. While Dana White, the UFC president, has previously poured cold water on the idea of Pereira vs. Jones inside the Octagon, the Brazilian’s reliability as a pay-per-view draw and his penchant for big moments make it increasingly likely that he’ll get his wish. After all, what else is there for Jones, who currently resides in a curious state of post-retirement “idle-active limbo”?
Jones’ recent history is as colorful as his career is legendary. He was the reigning heavyweight champion, expected to unify the title with interim champ Tom Aspinall, but instead, he retired—at least for a while. When news broke of the White House card, Jones re-emerged, ready to step back into the limelight. The prospect of facing Pereira, who has never shied away from a challenge, is simply too enticing for fight fans to ignore. As one commentator put it, “With Pereira on top, and Jones in a dedicated state of post-retirement, idle-active limbo, we’ll never have a better opportunity.”
The potential Pereira-Jones showdown is being billed as the biggest fight since the iconic Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov clash at UFC 229. And why not? Both men are legends in their own right. Jones is widely regarded as the GOAT of the light heavyweight division, while Pereira, with his recent triumphs, has become the division’s most compelling figure. The matchup would likely take place at heavyweight, a division where neither currently holds a title, making it a true “BMF-type” event—no belts required, just pure, unadulterated competition.
Legacy is a powerful motivator, and for Pereira, it’s personal as well as professional. There’s unfinished business, not just for himself, but for his coach and mentor, Glover Teixeira, whom Jones defeated years ago at UFC 172 in Baltimore. The chance to avenge Teixeira and cement his place among the all-time greats is a narrative too rich to ignore. “Pereira gets to avenge Teixeira, whom Jones beat at UFC 172 in Baltimore many years ago. The UFC turns the South Lawn into the epicenter of the universe,” writes one analyst, painting a vivid picture of what could be the defining moment of both fighters’ careers.
Of course, the intrigue doesn’t stop with Jones. Pereira’s ambition stretches beyond the Octagon. Earlier this year, Oleksandr Usyk, the elite heavyweight boxer, called out Pereira for a potential boxing match. While Pereira had to put those plans on hold to focus on regaining his UFC title, he hasn’t lost sight of that goal. “Definitely,” Pereira said when asked about transitioning to boxing. “Look, I made it clear that I want to fight boxing. Same thing, right? When I got into kickboxing, they didn’t believe me. MMA, same thing. Boxing, we’ll say the same thing. But I’m used to it. I don’t care. I just want to go out there and fight.”
Usyk, for his part, has his own priorities. He’s expressed interest in finishing his boxing career before exploring MMA, possibly against the likes of Jake Paul. With both men focused on their immediate goals—Pereira on Jones, Usyk on his boxing legacy—their paths may not cross until later. But the possibility lingers, and fans can’t help but speculate about what might happen if these two titans ever meet in the ring.
Meanwhile, Pereira is looking to take some well-deserved time off as he recovers from a fractured left foot. The timing could work perfectly, allowing him to return at the White House event in June 2026, fully healed and ready for what could be the most significant fight of his career. The UFC, too, is in a period of transition, with a switch to Paramount+ on the horizon and the end of the traditional pay-per-view era in sight. All signs point to a new chapter—not just for Pereira and Jones, but for the entire sport.
As the dust settles on UFC 320 and the rumor mill churns with possibilities, one thing is clear: Alex Pereira isn’t content to rest on his laurels. Whether it’s Jon Jones at heavyweight, a future boxing showdown with Usyk, or another surprise altogether, “Poatan” is determined to chase greatness wherever it leads. The fight world watches and waits, knowing that with Pereira, anything is possible—and the best may be yet to come.
For now, the spotlight remains fixed on Pereira’s next move. The anticipation is palpable, the stakes enormous. Will the White House become the stage for the biggest fight in recent UFC history? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the legend of Alex Pereira is far from finished.
