Earlier this year, after defending his title for the second time at UFC 303 against former champion Jiri Prochazka, light heavyweight king Alex Pereira sent shockwaves through the entire heavyweight division when he announced, ” I think a move heavyweight is in my future.” Potentially aiming to dethrone longtime champion, Jon Jones, his statement was certainly a thrill for the MMA world. However, Dana White and company later poured cold water on fans’ enthusiasm, claiming it wasn’t a great idea. While fans may not see the two fight, what about training sessions?

A spark later turned into the fire when these two legends last week met at The Sphere. Last week at UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche, Las Vegas fans witnessed many unseen moments that were considered the highlight for fight fans, particularly the event’s venue, the modern marvel structure, The Sphere. However, another highlight was the unexpected moment between Alex Pereira and Jon Jones, who they thought to be rivals but displayed a friendly demeanor. ‘Poatan’ stated, “I don’t know I will be able to share the cage with him, but at least I want to get the experience training with him.”

A bold move that fans love, while Michael Bisping offers a different perspective. According to Sonnen’s analysis, the upcoming training session between Pereira and Jones will benefit Jones more, as he isn’t typically known for his striking in this sport. Sonnen claimed, “He’s not known for having devastating punching power, kicking power, or kneeing power. He’s known for having meticulous game plans and executing them perfectly. Maybe training with Alex Pereira could show him a few tips, a few little tricks. Pereira could teach him how to generate more power and point out when he’s doing wrong.”

Bisping’s remark may not be fully correct, it’s not just Jon Jones who needs improvement, but Alex Pereira also requires serious grappling skills, which has been pointed out as a weakness by his critics. ‘Poatan’ has primarily faced strikers in the UFC, and criticism increased when he avoided Magomed Ankalaev and chose to fight Khalil Rountree Jr. in his upcoming headline event of UFC 308.

Magomed Ankalaev criticized Alex Pereira for dodging him

After making waves in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, it was predicted by renowned combat sports analysts and media that Alex Pereira would face Dagestani sensation Magomed Ankalaev before moving to the heavyweight division. Like ‘Poatan’, Ankalaev remains formidable in the promotion, but unlike Pereira, he possesses grappling and wrestling skills similar to his countryman Khabib Nurmagomedov.

However, Pereira turned these analysts’ claims upside down when he stated in a random interview, “Ankalaev didn’t want to fight against me. I don’t know the reason, if it was the location, if he just didn’t want to.” This statement drew the ire of the Dagetan native, who eagerly dismissed this notion, claiming he never turned down an offer to fight ‘Poatan’. Ankalaev expressed his frustration on X, stating, “Alex Pereira you are a liar. You said I turned (fight) down against you. Dana White Mick Maynard never offer me a fight against you. I’m gonna make you eat your word after I handle my business.”

What are your thoughts on Michael Bisping’s remark? Do you also think it’s Jon Jones who needs striking lessons from Alex Pereira, or is it Pereira who needs grappling lessons from Jones? Drop your opinion below.