Jon Jones will prove that Alex Pereira is not yet ready for true heavyweight dominance – This match isn’t even a fair fight.

The UFC world is buzzing about a potential clash between Jon Jones and Alex Pereira, two of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. While Pereira has showcased his incredible knockout power in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, many believe that stepping into the octagon with Jon “Bones” Jones is a completely different challenge.

Jones, widely regarded as the greatest MMA fighter of all time, has proven himself against the best in multiple eras. Meanwhile, Pereira is still relatively new to the upper weight classes, leaving many to question whether he’s truly prepared for the challenges that come with heavyweight dominance. Would Pereira’s striking be enough to trouble the legendary Jones? Or is this fight simply a mismatch that will expose the gaps in Pereira’s skill set? Let’s break it down.

1. Jon Jones Has the Most Well-Rounded Skill Set in MMA History

When discussing this matchup, one of the biggest arguments in favor of Jon Jones is his complete skill set. Unlike many of the opponents Pereira has faced, Jones is not just a striker—he is an elite-level wrestler, grappler, and fight strategist.

Wrestling Advantage: Pereira’s biggest weakness has always been his takedown defense. While he has improved since transitioning from kickboxing to MMA, he has never faced a wrestler of Jones’ caliber. Jones’ ability to take down, control, and suffocate opponents on the ground has been a key factor in his dominance for over a decade.

Fight IQ and Adaptability: One of the reasons Jones has remained undefeated (except for a controversial disqualification loss) is his ability to adapt. He can switch strategies mid-fight, neutralize his opponent’s strengths, and find ways to dominate regardless of the situation. Pereira, on the other hand, is largely dependent on his striking and hasn’t shown the same level of versatility.

Experience Against Elite Competition: Jones has fought and beaten some of the most dangerous names in MMA, including Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, Glover Teixeira, and Ciryl Gane. Pereira, while highly skilled, has yet to face a fighter with the depth of Jones’ skill set.

2. Alex Pereira’s Power Won’t Be Enough Against Jones’ Defense

There’s no denying that Alex Pereira is one of the hardest hitters in the sport. His legendary left hook has put multiple elite fighters to sleep, including Israel Adesanya and Jiri Prochazka. However, relying solely on power has been a fatal mistake for many fighters against Jon Jones.

Jones Has a Granite Chin: Despite facing some of the most powerful strikers in UFC history, Jones has never been knocked out. His chin, defensive awareness, and ability to avoid clean shots make him an incredibly difficult opponent for someone like Pereira, who relies on landing that one devastating punch.

Jones’ Range and Striking Defense: Jones has the longest reach in UFC history (84.5 inches), and he knows how to use it. He is a master at controlling distance with his kicks, jabs, and oblique strikes. Pereira would have a hard time closing the gap without exposing himself to takedowns or counterattacks.

Leg Kicks and Takedown Setups: Jones is known for his devastating leg kicks and oblique kicks, which he uses to slow down aggressive strikers. Against Pereira, he would likely utilize these tactics to disrupt the Brazilian’s rhythm and make him hesitant to throw his signature power shots.

3. The Heavyweight Factor: Can Pereira Handle True Heavyweight Wrestling?

The move to heavyweight comes with its own set of challenges. While Pereira has fought at light heavyweight, stepping up to face a true heavyweight wrestler like Jones is an entirely different challenge.

Jones is a Natural Heavyweight: Although Jon Jones spent most of his career at 205 lbs, he has bulked up significantly for his heavyweight run. When he fought Ciryl Gane at UFC 285, he looked stronger, more powerful, and comfortable in his new weight class. Pereira, on the other hand, has yet to prove that he can handle the wrestling-heavy, power-driven style of heavyweight fighting.

Pereira’s Gas Tank Could Be a Major Issue: Jones is known for his cardio and endurance, often maintaining a high pace for five rounds without slowing down. Pereira has shown signs of fatigue in later rounds, especially when dealing with grappling-heavy opponents. If Jones drags him into deep waters, it could be a long and painful night for the former kickboxer.

Strength and Clinch Control: At heavyweight, clinch fighting and strength play a much larger role. Jones is one of the strongest clinch fighters in UFC history, using his elbows, knees, and wrestling control to overwhelm his opponents. Against Pereira, he would likely close the distance, pin him against the cage, and wear him down with dirty boxing and relentless pressure.

4. How This Fight Would Likely Play Out

With all these factors in mind, how would a fight between Jon Jones and Alex Pereira actually unfold?

Early Rounds (1-2): The Feeling-Out Process

Pereira would likely try to establish his striking, looking to land big shots while keeping Jones at a distance. However, Jones would attack the legs, control range, and avoid risky exchanges.

Middle Rounds (3-4): Jones Turns Up the Pressure

As the fight progresses, Jones would likely look for clinch opportunities and takedown entries. If he secures a takedown, he could control Pereira on the ground and land devastating elbows.

Late Rounds (5 or Finish): A Dominant Jones Victory

If Pereira hasn’t landed a fight-changing strike by this point, Jones would likely take over completely. Either a submission, TKO, or dominant decision would be the most probable outcome.

Conclusion: A Tough Challenge for Pereira, But a Legacy-Building Fight for Jones

While Alex Pereira is undoubtedly a dangerous fighter, the gap in experience, grappling, and adaptability makes this a tough challenge for him. Jon Jones has dominated the sport for over a decade and has consistently proven that he can handle elite competition.

If this fight happens, expect Jones to systematically break Pereira down, proving that the Brazilian still has a long way to go before truly conquering the heavyweight division.