Matt Brown Labels Jon Jones as Alex Pereira’s Toughest UFC Matchup

Alex Pereira has made headlines with his impressive knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320. This win allowed him to reclaim a top position in the light heavyweight division. Now, Pereira is setting his sights on a highly anticipated match against Jon Jones, slated for the UFC White House card in 2026.

Pereira vs. Jones: A Challenging Matchup

While Pereira is excited about the prospect of fighting Jones, he is expected to enter the octagon as a significant underdog. Jon Jones is often regarded as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. UFC veteran Matt Brown shared his insights regarding this potential matchup on his podcast, “The Fighter vs. The Writer.”

The Case for Tom Aspinall

According to Brown, a more compelling matchup would be Jon Jones against current heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. He emphasized that Aspinall poses a legitimate threat to Jones, unlike Pereira. Brown stated, “Jon is probably a little bit bigger than Alex Pereira, and a much better wrestler.”

• Pereira’s Strengths: Knockout power and striking ability
• Jones’ Advantages: Size, wrestling skills, and overall experience
• Aspinall’s Record: Eight UFC wins, all by knockout or submission

Why Aspinall Could Compete with Jones

Tom Aspinall’s recent performances have elevated his status in the heavyweight division. He currently holds a perfect record in the UFC, with an impressive string of finishes. Aspinall’s knockout abilities and wrestling skills could provide an entertaining and competitive challenge against Jones.

Fan Interest and Fight Potential

Brown acknowledges that though the matchup between Pereira and Jones garners significant fan interest, the fight against Aspinall should not be overlooked. “The real question is whether the UFC aims to create a spectacle or meaningful fights,” he noted.

Brown also suggested that the UFC has much less to lose by scheduling Aspinall against Jones. If Aspinall were to lose, the heavyweight division’s struggles would continue. However, a victory could revitalize interest in heavyweight fights and competitors.

Jones’ Intentions

Despite his status as a legend, Jones has shown limited interest in facing Aspinall until now. With the UFC White House card approaching, it remains unclear if he will prioritize a match against Pereira or consider fighting Aspinall instead. Brown speculated that Jones could push for a Pereira fight at the cost of competing against Aspinall.

As Pereira prepares for a potential fight against Jones, the MMA community is anxious to see how events will unfold. Will the UFC prioritize entertainment or competitive integrity in these blockbuster matchups?