Alex Pereira Says Jon Jones Must Defeat Tom Aspinall First Before Their Inevitable Clash – Explore
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Alex Pereira Says Jon Jones Must Defeat Tom Aspinall First Before Their Inevitable Clash

The world of mixed martial arts thrives on rivalries, anticipation, and the rightful passage of challengers through tests of skill and dominance. Recently, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira stirred the pot with a clear and direct message to the legendary Jon Jones: if a fight between the two is going to happen, Jon Jones must first get through the dangerous interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall. In Pereira’s own words, “Jon Jones has to go through Tom Aspinall first. That’s his next challenge. But I think if he passes Tom Aspinall, our fight will be inevitable.” Those words, simple yet powerful, have shaken up fan discussions and added a thrilling layer to the UFC’s heavyweight picture. It’s not just trash talk or a marketing ploy—it’s a reflection of the competitive respect and structure that fighters like Pereira bring to the game.Picture background

Alex Pereira, nicknamed “Poatan,” is no stranger to challenges. Known for his stone-cold demeanor and lethal striking, he climbed through the ranks with surgical precision, earning the light heavyweight title and then defending it with dominance. However, unlike many champions who rest on their achievements, Pereira has his sights set on even greater glory—conquering the heavyweight division. But Pereira isn’t seeking shortcuts. He understands the dynamics of the sport, and more importantly, he respects the order in which things must unfold. That’s why he insists that Jon Jones, the current undisputed heavyweight champion, should not skip over Tom Aspinall, who currently holds the interim belt and is widely seen as one of the most dangerous men in the division.Picture background

This stance speaks volumes about Pereira’s character. He could easily leverage his popularity to push for a super fight against Jones, bypassing the traditional path. Instead, he upholds meritocracy. Tom Aspinall has proven himself worthy with dominant performances over top-tier heavyweights. With incredible hand speed, knockout power, and surprising agility for his size, Aspinall has earned the right to challenge for the undisputed title. Pereira’s insistence that Jones face Aspinall first isn’t just about structure—it’s about honoring the grind, something he himself has endured.

Jon Jones, arguably the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, made a triumphant return at heavyweight after years away from competition. His submission win over Ciryl Gane in early 2023 reestablished his dominance and earned him the heavyweight title. But since then, injury and scheduling delays have kept him out of action. Meanwhile, Aspinall stepped up and seized the interim title with a stunning first-round knockout of Sergei Pavlovich. In the eyes of many, that performance solidified Aspinall as the rightful next challenger. However, Jones has shown reluctance in taking that fight, reportedly more interested in a legacy bout with fighters like Stipe Miocic—or potentially Pereira.Picture background

That’s where Pereira’s recent statement becomes so important. By publicly declaring that Jones needs to face Aspinall first, Pereira is applying the right kind of pressure—not through callouts or insults, but through logic and respect for the sport. This statement has been widely praised by fans and analysts alike. In fact, many in the MMA community view it as a refreshing shift from the usual chaos of matchmaking. It’s not often that a reigning champion openly acknowledges the merit of another division’s top contender and waits for the right moment instead of forcing a money fight.

Pereira’s mindset reflects a deeper understanding of legacy. He’s not just looking to add a high-profile win to his resume. He wants to face the best when they are at their best. If Jon Jones defeats Tom Aspinall—no easy feat—then the Pereira vs. Jones fight becomes not just a dream matchup, but one built on rightful progression and competitive purity. It becomes a showdown that fans will respect not just for its hype, but for what it represents.

On the flip side, if Jones avoids the Aspinall challenge and jumps straight to a bout with Pereira, it would raise serious questions about fairness in matchmaking. Fans are already critical of champions ducking top contenders, and Pereira, by taking this stand, is indirectly safeguarding the integrity of the division. He knows that a fight with Jon Jones would be massive—potentially one of the biggest in UFC history—but he refuses to have it tainted by controversy or shortcuts. That’s the kind of leadership and discipline that builds icons.

The way Pereira speaks about Jones is also worth noting. He doesn’t disrespect him. He recognizes Jones as a champion and a great fighter. But he also makes it clear: greatness doesn’t exempt anyone from the rules of competition. Everyone must earn their moment, and for Jones, that moment means going through Tom Aspinall first. If he can do that, then the door to Pereira will open wide—and fans around the world will be watching.

This potential triangle—Jones, Aspinall, Pereira—is now one of the most exciting narratives in the UFC. Each man represents a different strength and style. Jones is the cerebral, unorthodox wrestler with a wealth of championship experience. Aspinall is the hungry knockout artist with speed and size, representing the next generation. And Pereira is the cold, calculated striker, a technical marvel with knockout power and a samurai mindset. If the UFC plays this correctly, we could see a true passing-of-the-torch moment, or a shocking upset that reshapes the heavyweight hierarchy.

Until then, Pereira waits. Patient, composed, and ready. He’s made it clear that his focus is on whoever emerges as the undisputed king of the heavyweight division. Whether that’s Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall, Pereira will be ready to meet them in the Octagon. But not before the rightful challenger gets his shot. And that, more than anything, is why Pereira’s statement carries so much weight. It’s not just about one fight. It’s about doing what’s right for the sport, for the fighters, and for the fans.

If Jones accepts the challenge and defeats Aspinall, the Pereira vs. Jones super fight will become one of the most anticipated events in UFC history. And if Aspinall wins, Pereira’s focus will simply shift toward him, without drama, without politics—just competition at the highest level. In a sport often clouded by ego and hype, Alex Pereira’s words are a breath of fresh air. He wants to fight the best. But only after they’ve proven they deserve to stand in front of him.