Jon Jones breaks down matchups against fellow UFC double champs

Jon Jones remains confident he would defeat fellow former two-division champion Alex Pereira should the two heavyweights ever meet inside the Octagon. In a recent interview, the ex-UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight titleholder broke down how he believes a contest with Pereira would unfold, citing significant physical advantages as the deciding factor.

Jones and Pereira appeared headed for a collision when the latter moved up to heavyweight for UFC Freedom 250, but ongoing contract negotiations between Jones and the UFC have stalled that potential matchup. Nevertheless, Jones outlined his strategy, arguing that Pereira—who previously competed at middleweight—lacks the size of other heavyweights he has faced. "I watched Pereira train," Jones said. "I see his level of wrestling and it's way behind. I feel as if Stipe Miocic is a true heavyweight. He's a big, big boy. Ciryl Gane, when you see him in person, he's a big, big boy. Alex Pereira is not a big, big boy. He's a lean guy."

Jones predicted he would use his grappling to overwhelm Pereira on the ground, forecasting a submission victory. "I feel as if my physical strength would have been too much for him," Jones said. "I felt as if the moment I would have gotten him to the ground, my submissions would have come pretty quickly."

Jones also discussed a hypothetical pure wrestling match against longtime rival Daniel Cormier, whom he has fought twice before. He expressed confidence he would prevail, even acknowledging the difficulty. Jones revealed he would target Cormier's back, which he said causes the former champion problems. "My strategy would be to just try to wear on him. Not shoot, not go for the takedown, but just hand fight, hand fight, hand fight and see if I could wear on that back."