Alex Pereira leaves door open for Jon Jones fight despite Ciryl Gane match looming at UFC White House

For Alex Pereira, the next chapter of his combat sports career is his most ambitious yet.

Appearing in studio on Monday’s edition of “The Ariel Helwani Show,” the former two-division champion opened up about his decision to vacate the UFC light heavyweight title to pursue heavyweight gold. It starts against Ciryl Gane for interim gold at the UFC White House event on June 14. The bout launches Pereira’s new eight-fight deal with the company, setting him up for an opportunity that made parting ways with his light heavyweight crown a no-brainer.

“Honestly, it was a pretty easy choice,” Pereira told Uncrowned through an interpreter. “When I expressed that I wanted to go [up in weight], I of course had to let go of one of the belts because they gave me a new contract. I’m really, really happy with my new contract. I want to thank [UFC matchmaker] Mick [Maynard], [UFC CBO] Hunter [Campbell] and [UFC CEO] Dana [White] for it.

“With this new deal that they gave to me, I don’t care about letting go of the belt or anything like that. They took really good care of me.”

From here on out, the legendary Brazilian intends to make his foray to heavyweight a permanent move. While fighters often experiment with new divisions before returning to familiar territory, Pereira, 38, insists his intentions are different.

Walking around near 245 pounds, “Poatan” believes there’s little left for him to accomplish at light heavyweight — and no real desire to continue the punishing weight cuts.

“I could make light heavyweight again, but I don’t think there’s anything new for me there,” Pereira said. “Many guys just go in the heat of the moment, and they jump a weight class, they lose, they come back. No. I’ve been expressing for a long time that I’ve been wanting to fight at heavyweight. So, I think I’ll stay around here.”

Speculation has swirled for months about a potential super fight with former heavyweight champion Jon Jones, particularly as Jones’ future with the UFC has grown increasingly uncertain.

“Bones” campaigned heavily for a spot on the White House card in social media appearances, hoping to battle his fellow former double champ. Pereira has acknowledged the intrigue surrounding that possibility, calling for it after his last win. But he emphasized that any meeting between the two would depend heavily on what happens next.

Ultimately, Pereira claimed there were never any negotiations to fight Jones.

“I believe [it’s still possible]. As long as I win this fight, right?” Pereira said. “Because otherwise, it doesn’t make too much sense. I’m a dangerous guy. Why would he put himself on the line? But I believe I will win in this fight. It’s a big chance.

“I believe it happens because he has to be released from the UFC. I don’t think the UFC’s going to release him anytime soon. So, if he’s going to fight, who’s it going to be against? It’s going to be against me.”

For now, Pereira’s attention remains firmly on Gane — a matchup that he says had already been discussed internally before the White House event became part of the conversation. To Pereira, the stylistic puzzle and historical implications make the fight especially appealing.

“What I really want is a great opponent, but I’m motivated to go over there, win this belt, make history,” he said. “That is my dream, right? To win this fight. That’s what I want for now. But I think he’s a very good opponent for me, and I think it’s a good fight for me. Very good fight for me.”

Should Pereira succeed, another major challenge would quickly follow. Interim heavyweight champion status puts Pereira on an immediate crash course with the recovering champion, Tom Aspinall. Pereira made clear he isn’t concerned about who comes after a potential Gane win.

“I think it’s good. Like I told you, bro. I just signed a new deal. They can put whoever they want to fight me. I’ll fight anyone. Every fight excites me.”

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