Alex Pereira, the UFC light heavyweight champion, is awaiting confirmation about his next fight following his October 2025 rematch victory against Magomed Ankalaev. After knocking out Ankalaev in the first round, Pereira immediately expressed interest in a high-profile heavyweight bout with Jon Jones. Despite Pereira’s eagerness, UFC president Dana White has denied Jones’ attempts at a comeback, complicating the prospects of this anticipated showdown.
Adding to the uncertainty, recently released footage revealed Jones discussing his struggles with severe arthritis, casting doubt on his ability to return at full strength.
Pereira Comments on Fighters’ Common Struggles with Injuries After Jones’ Revelation
In a private conversation recorded at a Dirty Boxing event, Jon Jones disclosed he suffers from extensive arthritis and may require a hip replacement. Jones, a former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight titleholder, responded to the leak by sharing his hopes to conclude his MMA career with one last fight. Pereira, who Jones wishes to face before retiring, addressed these health disclosures during an interview on UFC heavyweight Valter Walker’s YouTube channel.
Pereira acknowledged that Jones is not unique in dealing with chronic injuries, emphasizing that all athletes at this level endure serious physical challenges.
“I think every athlete has chronic injuries, serious injuries,”
Pereira said.
“If a high-level athlete says something like that, for the history he has, it’s not new to me,”
he added.
Uncertainty Surrounds UFC Return as Pereira Shares Cryptic Social Media Message
Despite Dana White’s firm stance against arranging a Jones vs. Pereira super-fight at the White House, Pereira remains determined to participate in the event scheduled to take place in Washington D.C. Whether this opportunity will materialize is still unclear, but Pereira seems to have received some updates.
Recently, Pereira posted a mysterious message on Instagram stating, “1-2-3 and go,” hinting at forthcoming news regarding his UFC return.
