Jon Jones Considers Alex Pereira Over Tom Aspinall as a Legacy-Defining Opponent

Jon Jones (left), Alex Pereira (right)

As Jon Jones prepares to face Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, rumors of retirement have grown, but the reigning heavyweight champion still has one potential matchup in mind if he decides to continue his UFC journey. Rather than focusing on up-and-coming stars like interim champion Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones has his sights set on Alex Pereira, the former middleweight and current light heavyweight titleholder known for his devastating knockouts and rapid rise in the UFC.

“If there were to be a fight off a guy that’s still on our UFC roster that would be not only financially worth it but legacy worth it, it would be Alex Pereira,” Jones explained in an interview with Kevin Iole. 

At 37, Jones values Pereira’s reputation and accomplishments over younger contenders. Pereira, also 37, boasts titles in two weight classes and has won five straight fights, four by knockout, establishing himself as a dominant force. In Jones’s view, Pereira is the type of fighter who would add meaningful weight to his legacy, rather than a contender who may only be a momentary star.

Tom Aspinall, the English heavyweight who recently claimed the interim belt by defeating Sergei Pavlovich, has consistently voiced his desire to fight Jones, hoping to unify the titles. Aspinall is expected to be ringside for Jones’s matchup with Miocic at Madison Square Garden, but Jones isn’t swayed by the 31-year-old’s quick success. 

“More than likely not [fighting Tom Aspinall],” Jones stated. He dismissed the idea, saying, “He just hasn’t proven anything. I’m not here to gamble someone else making a name off of me.”

Jones’s career has been marked by bouts with legends and champions, a path he feels Aspinall hasn’t earned yet. Despite Aspinall’s impressive 8-1 UFC record, with all his victories coming in the first two rounds by knockout or submission, Jones feels there’s no compelling reason to take on a less-established fighter at this stage. Jones has seen the UFC's “next big thing” many times over his 16-year tenure, but he’s learned to stay focused on legacy over hype. Reflecting on his career, he mentioned former prospect Johnny Walker as a cautionary tale of rising stars who didn’t maintain momentum.

In the twilight of his career, Jones is looking for fights that leave a mark in MMA history, and a clash with Pereira, given the Brazilian’s accomplishments, offers a match worthy of Jones’s legacy.