UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira revealed that he had planned to call out Jon Jones for a super fight at the White House following his win at UFC 320, but chose not to, out of respect for the recent passing of Jones’ brother, Arthur.
After the fight, Pereira used part of his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan to honor Arthur Jones, asking the crowd for a moment of silence.
“I’ll answer the subject one time. With all due respect, with all the respect that I have for the situation, and I’ve said this in the back. I was going to ask for Jon Jones at the White House,” Pereira told reporters including Cageside Press at his post-fight scrum.
“With everything that happened it’s not the right time to talk about it.”
Pereira (13-3) has expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight before, but now appears more serious than ever about making the move, a decision that could mean vacating his light heavyweight title.
In recent years, champions seeking ‘champ-champ’ status have often been required to relinquish their belts, as the UFC has grown increasingly reluctant to stall divisions due to inactivity.
“I don’t think that’s needed. Everyone knows how often I fight so that’s not going to be an issue,” he said.
UFC CEO Dana White might feel that it’s necessary. In his post-fight press conference White didn’t seem very enthusiastic about the idea.
“No need. We already talked backstage,” Pereira said. When asked what Dana White told him, Pereira had just one thing to say.
“It’s a secret.”
If a move to heavyweight doesn’t materialize, Pereira still has a short list of possible contenders. A potential rematch with Jiri Prochazka or a fresh matchup with Carlos Ulberg. As for his next fight, Pereira says his only requirement is simple.
“The best. Whoever’s the best,” Pereira said.
Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Alex Pereira above.
