Cormier Suggests Pereira’s Target of Jon Jones is Misguided

Following his recent triumph where he secured the UFC light heavyweight title by defeating Ankalaev via knockout, Alex Pereira has been challenged by Daniel Cormier’s assessment that he is pursuing the wrong opponent by calling out Jon Jones instead of Tom Aspinall.

Pereira impressively knocked out Magomed Ankalaev in the opening round at UFC 320 on October 4th, reclaiming the UFC light heavyweight title.

In their rematch at the T-Mobile Arena, Pereira, 38, who previously lost the title to Ankalaev in March by unanimous decision, immediately pressed the action. He aggressively moved forward from the start.

The fight concluded abruptly after just one minute and twenty seconds into the first round. Referee Herb Dean stopped the bout after Pereira’s powerful right hand visibly hurt Ankalaev. When Ankalaev attempted to grapple, Pereira continued his assault with strikes to the head and body.

Having achieved a feat unmatched since Jon Jones in 2018 by regaining the light heavyweight title, Pereira now intends to advance to the heavyweight division. He has expressed interest in a superfight with ‘Bones’ Jones.

Rather than focusing on the winner of the Tom Aspinall versus Ciryl Gane fight, Pereira is aiming for a high-profile superfight with Jones.

Daniel Cormier, however, argues that Pereira is targeting the wrong adversary. He suggests that focusing on Tom Aspinall would be a more strategic choice.

“Tom Aspinall presents a formidable challenge for anyone,” Cormier stated.

“(But) the Jon Jones fight, out of all available options, is the most challenging for Pereira. This ambition reflects Alex’s character.

“Alex is seeking the most difficult fight possible. This also highlights the current landscape of mixed martial arts, where, similar to Conor McGregor’s influence, the prestige of the fight is beginning to overshadow the importance of the belt.

“Currently, it would be a straightforward decision for Alex to pursue a fight against Tom Aspinall.”