At UFC 309, Jon Jones entered the Octagon to defend his heavyweight belt against Stipe Miocic. If he emerged victorious, the expectation of much of the MMA community was that ‘Bones’ would face the interim champion of the division, Tom Aspinall, to unify the titles. However, the American hinted at other plans. In an interview with journalist Kevin Iole on YouTube, Jon Jones expressed his preference for a duel of champions against Brazilian Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira instead.

In fact, the interest in a confrontation between Jon Jones and Alex Pereira seems to be mutual. Previously, the striker from São Paulo has already expressed his desire to move up to heavyweight in search of what would be his third title in the UFC. However, it seems like Dana White is adamant about making ‘Bones’ fight Aspinall. So, will this stop Alex Pereira from moving to the heavyweight division? And even if he does so, what will his heavyweight run look like? Let’s find out!

Will Alex Pereira go to heavyweight? AI predicts

According to AI – yes, the Brazilian fighter is more than likely to find his way into the heavyweight division by 2025. After all, Alex Pereira has never shied away from competing against tougher opponents. With his unbelievable ability to strike, it’s only natural for him to consider moving up to heavyweight as the next stage in his career, especially after he made three successful title defenses in 2024 alone.

‘Poatan’ has already proved his might as a middleweight and light heavyweight. So, a move to heavyweight seems like the perfect challenge for him now. And if he does find his way to the title there as well, there will be no denying who the real GOAT of MMA would be.

AI even believes that moving to heavyweight is the greatest option for ‘Poatan.’ Alex Pereira‘s massive 6’4″ frame and ability to reduce significant weight to compete at light heavyweight indicate that fighting at heavyweight may benefit his body more. Without the need to lose weight, Pereira could focus on his cardio and endurance, which are crucial in heavyweight bouts.

How well will he do at heavyweight?

A move to the new division would come with its own benefits and challenges. So, this is what AI believes would work in favor of, or against, the beloved ‘Poatan.’

Strengths:

1. Devastating Striking: Pereira’s kickboxing credentials are unparalleled. His accuracy, timing, and knockout power make him a formidable opponent for any heavyweight. Most heavyweights focus on power punches rather than technical striking, which Pereira may take advantage of given his superior skill set.

2. Power That Translates: Heavyweight fighters are known for taking a beating yet standing tall, but Pereira’s knockout power would most likely stay effective in the division. His precision and punching power would allow him to capitalize on many heavyweights’ slower movements.

3. Improved Durability: Without the rigorous weight cuts that he has to make to fight in the light heavyweight division, Alex Pereira’s endurance and ability to absorb damage could improve significantly. Fighting at his natural weight would allow him to compete without the physical consequences of dehydration.

Weaknesses: 

1. Grappling Deficiencies: While Pereira has improved his takedown defense, the heavyweight division is stacked with elite wrestlers and grapplers who could expose his ground game. Fighters such as Curtis Blaydes would present a huge challenge to the Brazilian fighter.

2. Cardio Concerns: Although fighting at heavyweight may improve his endurance, Pereira has been known to tire significantly in the later rounds. This could be an issue against heavyweights with excellent conditioning and movement, such as Tom Aspinall. After all, the Briton has been praised time and again for his fluid movements and speed that could rival any light heavyweight in the Dana White-led promotion.

3. Adjusting to Heavyweight Power: While Pereira has a terrific chin, natural heavyweights like Derrick Lewis and Francis Ngannou (if he returns) have far greater power compared to him. Knocking out a heavyweight is a different ball game altogether compared to the fighters in his current division. So, this would be a major hurdle that ‘Poatan’ would face if he moved up the weight category.

Can Pereira Win Against Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall, or Ciryl Gane?

Jon Jones: 

According to AI, Pereira will not be able to defeat Jon Jones. But why? Well, ‘Bones’ is the definition of a nightmarish matchup for Pereira. The reigning heavyweight champion, with his incredible fight IQ, exceptional wrestling, and ability to neutralize striking specialists, would most likely avoid lengthy foot exchanges.

As we mentioned during the weaknesses of ‘Poatan,’ his grappling would overpower Pereira, resulting in either a submission or a dominant decision win for Jon Jones. The 37-year-old’s adaptability to any opponent makes him clearly the biggest challenge for the Brazilian.

Tom Aspinall:

How can we discuss Jon Jones without mentioning Tom Aspinall? The Briton is among the most well-rounded fighters in the heavyweight division. There is a reason why fans want him to have a title unification fight against ‘Bones.’ His speed, athleticism, and grappling ability result in a style that Alex Pereira would struggle to match.

Aspinall’s mobility and ability to bridge the gap would negate Pereira’s striking advantage. While Pereira’s strength makes him a continuous threat, Aspinall is more likely to win by submission or ground-and-pound stoppage. So, as per AI, Alex Pereira will not be able to defeat Tom Aspinall.

Ciryl Gane:

According to AI, one of the biggest fighters Alex Pereira could defeat is Ciryl Gane. Gane is recognized for his technical kickboxing, so this fight is sure to be a war between two strikers who will give fans the adrenaline rush they seek.

While Gane has the advantage in terms of his speed and footwork, Alex Pereira’s power and expertise in high-level striking competitions may give him the edge. If Gane fails to use his clinch work or move efficiently, the 12-2 two-weight champion could deliver a stunning knockout that will close the curtain to the mega event. But are there any other fighters who he can beat in the division?

Who Can Pereira Most Likely Defeat at Heavyweight?

Apart from Ciryl Gane, what are the other sure names in the promotion who will most likely taste defeat if they go toe-to-toe against the Brazilian? Well, these are the names that AI revealed.

Tai Tuivasa:

Tuivasa’s strong brawling style would immediately complement Pereira’s strengths as an elite-level striker. In fact, it would be Pereira’s precision and counter-striking abilities that would allow him to expose all the gaps in Tai Tuivasa’s defense. As a result, the bout would end with a clean knockout win for the Brazilian fighter.

Derrick Lewis: 

Lewis’ sheer power poses a constant danger to anyone he faces. However, his slower speed and lack of technical striking make him an excellent opponent for Pereira. By dodging Lewis’ brutal punches, Alex Pereira would be able to outpoint or knock out ‘The Black Beast’.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik: 

Rozenstruik’s kickboxing experience makes him a more threatening opponent for any heavyweight that dares to face him, but Pereira’s technical superiority gives him the advantage. This bout is anticipated to remain a striking contest, with Pereira’s timing and technique perhaps leading to a decision victory or a late knockout for the Brazilian fighter. So now that we know some major names who will be winning or losing a fight against Alex Pereira, what does his overall future in the division ruled by Jon Jones look like?

Overall Future at Heavyweight

If Alex Pereira moves to heavyweight, he has the tools to compete against both mid-tier opponents and top contenders. His striking ability, paired with his adaptability, makes him a legitimate threat to many heavyweights.

However, his success will be greatly dependent on the matches Dana White brings for him. Fighters with outstanding grappling skills, such as Curtis Blaydes, or well-rounded fighters like Tom Aspinall, may prove to be major boulders that might derail his title hopes. While Pereira may struggle against the division’s top players, he can still have a great career and possibly win a title if he avoids terrible stylistic matchups along the way.

In the end, Pereira’s transition to heavyweight would not only result in some matchups fans could only dream about, but it would also solidify his position as one of the most fierce, fearless, and accomplished fighters in MMA history. But what do you think? Will Alex Pereira find success in the heavyweight division? Let us know in the comments.