‘Careful what you wish for’ – Jon Jones sends clear message to Alex Pereira after new call-out

Jan 18, 2026 - 14:30

Jon Jones has fired a stern warning at Alex Pereira following a fresh call-out from the UFC light heavyweight champion.

Pereira has been spending time in his native Brazil, visiting a tyre shop where he earned 68p a day as a 12-year-old.

Alex Pereira at UFC 320 — The UFC light heavyweight champion has repeatedly stated that he wants Jones next

‘Poatan’ reclaimed the light heavyweight strap in October and is yet to have his first fight of the UFC’s busy 2026 schedule booked.

The 38-year-old knocked out Magomed Ankalev in 80 seconds at UFC 320 and revealed his preferred next step was a move up to heavyweight to challenge Jones.

Both men have since verbally agreed to fight one another, although UFC CEO Dana White is still torn about making the mouthwatering clash.

During his time in Brazil, Pereira shared footage from his old workplace, with the message ‘Next-Jones’ written on one of the tyres.

View Tweet: https://t.co/1905ercRZz

The video attracted attention among MMA fans as tension between the pair continued to build over a potential fight.

Well, Jones has now responded, making it very clear he’s not intimidated by Pereira’s antics.

Jon Jones: I’d love to add Alex Pereira to my list

“I’ve beat a lot of legends from your country, my friend,” Jones said.

“I know you’d love to avenge the boys, but boy, would you be a good one to add to my list.

“Be careful what you wish for.”

Jones has defeated six Brazilians – Andre Gusmao, Mauricio Rua, Lyoto Machida, Vitor Belfort, Glover Teixeira and Thiago Santos – in his UFC career.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Jon Jones of the United States of America and Stipe Miocic of the United States of America trade hits in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) — Jones defended the heavyweight title in his last UFC fight and was linked to face Tom Aspinall next for months

Jon Jones being interviewed after his win at UFC 309 — Ultimately, Jones decided to retire, but the American has since made a U-turn on that decision to fight at UFC White House

Jones has defeated six Brazilians in the UFC, including Santos, and it’s clear he wants to make Pereira No. 7

Having announced his retirement seven months after defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024, the former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion has since revealed a desire to return.

This came after the UFC confirmed it would put on a show at the White House in June.

UFC White House is expected to take place on US President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, June 14.

No fights have been announced yet, with White saying he will start revealing the card next month.

Conor McGregor is expected to make a comeback at UFC White House, where Trump anticipates ‘eight or nine’ title fights to play out.

White has previously stated there is no chance Jones will fight on the White House card.

Collage of Alex Pereira, Jon Jones, and Dana White. — It seems unlikely Jones vs Pereira will be on the White House card, but it may headline another card

With Pereira also seemingly ruling himself out as well, it appears the UFC brass may prefer to make Jones-Pereira on a separate event.

Nonetheless, Jones vs Pereira would be one of the greatest MMA fights in history.

Jones has already cemented his status as one of the greatest to ever do it in mixed martial arts, while a win for Pereira would boost his stardom to an unfathomable level.