Jon Jones is the greatest fighter of all time, but one man could end his reign, according to three-time title challenger Colby Covington.
Two-division champion Alex Pereira has quickly become one of the most popular fighters in the UFC. 'Poatan' shot to fame when he knocked out Israel Adesanya in 2022 to claim the middleweight throne. Just when it seemed we had seen all Pereira had to offer, he continued another legendary streak, claiming and defending the light heavyweight belt. three times in 2024.
As Pereira's options to defend the title dwindle, there is increasing talk of a potential superfight with Jones, and Covington believes 'Poatan' could be the man to get the job done.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Colby Covington: Jones 'certainly' won't agree to trade Alex Pereira
During an interview with Submission Radio, Covington revealed that he helped Pereira train his wrestling almost a decade ago. This was when Pereira was gearing up to capture GLORY kickboxing gold while still in the early stages of his MMA career. Pereira debuted with a submission loss and is said to have made wrestling a top priority after that.
“I trained with him [Pereira]… Probably seven or eight years ago,” Covington said. “[Glover Teixeira] wanted me to help him wrestle.
“… Certainly [Pereira could knock out Jones]he could certainly catch it. I mean, there's no doubt about it. Jon is going to shoot those legs. He doesn't want to be cracked by Alex Pereira. That left hook and those kicks are deadly.”
A cautious Covington meets Pereira for the first time as part of the 'Inside GLORY 68' vlog series.
What Jon Jones thinks about a fight with Alex Pereira
Although Jones is expected to fight interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, this won't stop him from making mega-fights with a number of top UFC stars, including Pereira.
Speaking to TNT Sports in the aftermath of UFC 309, Jones compared the fight against Aspinall to Pereira.
“I really don't like Tom,” Jones said. '…I admit he is a bigger threat than Alex Pereira. … [Alex Pereira’s] accolades are incredible. … Beating Tom Aspinall, that's not going to break a record… Beating Alex Pereira, that would be my tenth UFC champion that I beat.
“…I think the numbers are incredibly high: Americans love Alex Pereira, Brazilians love Alex Pereira. … Alex Pereira is an American star and that is what I strive for. I want the big fights.”
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Neither Jones nor Pereira have confirmed their next fights, although Pereira is rumored to face No. 1 contender Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira's return date has been teased, although 'Poatan' has repeatedly denied any intention of meeting Ankalaev next.
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