UFC Rumors: “Forced to Either Retire” or Fight Jon Jones, MMA Insider Discloses ‘Clock’s Ticking’ for Alex Pereira’s Final Call on Heavyweight Move

Alex Pereira just fought for the second time in less than three months when he defeated Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303. Coming in on two weeks’ notice, ‘Poatan’ delivered a magnificent high kick that sent the ‘Czech Samurai’ crashing to the canvas. Needless to say, his success has seen him ride a wave of momentum that has not been seen since Conor McGregor’s 2014-2016 run. But is this success proving to be the Brazilian’s undoing?

Even UFC CEO Dana White thanked Pereira and praised him backstage after the fight and it now looks like White considers him and Jon Jones as the top fighters at his disposal. However, in the eyes of an MMA insider, this situation could put Pereira into a very important discussion for the future, one that might see him hang up his gloves! 

Insider puts Alex Pereira’s career into perspective

Chael Sonnen was recently discussing Jon Jones and his amazing performance as one of the Pound for Pound best fighters. Dana White recently claimed that Jones is the best P4P even though Islam Makhachev is ranked #1 in the UFC’s official list. Seems like Sonnen does not disagree with White on this and even added that Pereira might be in the GOAT category alongside ‘Bones’ now. But he would need to fight Jones for a conclusive claim. In fact, going up a weight class is better for Pereira than cutting weight even though he succeeded in it without a hiccup.  

Pereira wanted a quick turnaround after UFC 300. This was not just because UFC 301 was in his native Brazil. Pereira feels he has little time to accomplish all that he wishes to. At 36, he might not be too far off the mark there. But what about the achievements he already has?

Sonnen said, “Pereira has already, for his title fights, brought in two-three times higher box offices to the same weight class and the same title than John did.” He then proceeded to explain that if people thought Pereira could beat Jon and win a single round against the GOAT. The ‘American Gangster’ pointed out that ‘Bones’ was so great that it was also a curse.

So Sonnen put Pereira’s possible choices on the table and said, “Pereira being the bigger draw, right, like, that’ll run its course too at 205. He will be forced to either retire, which is what Khabib did; plenty of guys do it. [They] reach their goals make their money [and] get out. [The] clock’s ticking, age is getting up there. Or he’ll be forced to go to heavyweight.”

Sonnen had also said after UFC 300 that he was one win away from being the GOAT. ‘The Bad Guy’ supports Pereira fighting Jon Jones in the future and getting the GOAT title. He also said, “ Jon Jones versus Pereira, well, I can tell you it’s not gonna happen in 205. Jon Jones versus Pereira is a little bit more plausible than you might think.”

So according to Sonnen, if Pereira does not fight Jones and heavyweight, or even abstains from moving there, he might have to retire sooner or later. Considering the pace at which he is going through the opposition at 205, that day might not be too far off. Another option would be a move back down to middleweight but it is hard to see Pereira taking that route, especially considering the success he has been having off late, without having to cut an extra 20 lbs. But what about Jones?

Jon Jones has options, thanks to Pereira

‘Bones’ is set to fight Stipe Miocic but nobody knows when it is going to happen. Jones has spoken about retiring in the past and some fans need clarity of what he has decided to do ultimately. However, the pound-for-pound fighter recently revealed that he was thinking about the conclusion of his career but his performance against Miocic is going to play an important factor in his decision.

Now both Tom Aspinall and Alex Pereira are potential next challengers for him. The 205-pound champion has mentioned that he might move to heavyweight in the future and this is creating more options for Jon Jones. ‘Bones’ has already started discussing the aspect of fighting Pereira so Dana White has more options as well for making a decision.

The heavyweight champion recently laid down the conditions for fighting the superstar and he wrote on X, “When I beat Miocic, I might give him a chance, but only if he beats Aspinall. In any case, it would be an easy night for me; I would choke him out just like I did Gane. I’m the king of the jungle.”

Do you think that the two champions can fight shortly? Will Dana White plan this bout soon?