Alex Pereira predicts new eight-fight UFC deal reopens the door to Jon Jones heavyweight fight

Former UFC two-division champion Alex Pereira has big plans for his future after signing a massive new contract with the promotion.

Alex Pereira raised eyebrows when he vacated the UFC light heavyweight title earlier this month to pursue a full-time move to the heavyweight division. Pereira, who hasn’t fought since reclaiming the light heavyweight title at UFC 320, will fight Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250, the promotion’s upcoming card at the White House.

Amidst undisputed heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall’s ongoing hiatus from competition, Pereira has the opportunity to signal a potential new era in the heavyweight division. The division is in desperate need of star power after Jon Jones’ abrupt retirement last year, and Aspinall’s inactivity in recent years.

Pereira, 38, signaled he had just a few fights left before entertaining retirement. But everything changed for Pereira during a recent meeting with the UFC brass.

Alex Pereira undeterred in pursuing Jon Jones after Ciryl Gane fight

In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Pereira announced a lucrative deal that signals a long future with the UFC as he approaches age 40.

“Honestly, I just wanted to let go of the [light heavyweight] belt and fight heavyweights, maybe even fight for [another] belt,” Pereira said.

“But even if it was a regular [heavyweight] fight, I just expressed that I wanted to do a heavyweight fight. And they really took care of me. The way they gave me this last contract was so good, that I left it open for them to do whatever they wanted. It didn’t matter.”

One potential heavyweight opponent proposed for Pereira was Jon Jones, before the former UFC heavyweight champ announced his retirement last summer. After reversing his retirement to pursue a spot on the upcoming White House card, Jones is at odds with Dana White and the UFC brass, and recently called for his release from the promotion.

Despite the drama associated with Jones’ planned comeback fight, Pereira remains undeterred in pursuing a fight with the all-time great.

“Not disappointed, but I expressed that it was a fight that I wanted. It’s a fight that [Jon] wants,” Pereira said of fighting Jones despite his calls for release.

“I don’t want to get too involved because that’s between him and the organization. I believe it will happen when I win this fight. There’s a big chance that it happens. The UFC isn’t going to release him anytime soon – so if he’s going to fight, who else is it going to be? It’s going to be against me.

“I’m focused on [Ciryl Gane] right now, and Jon Jones is [next].”

Will Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones come to fruition? Let us know your predictions in the comments!