The simultaneous two-division champion in the UFC was always considered the ultimate prize that a fighter could achieve. However, that came into question after Ilia Topuria vacated his 145 lbs title before getting into the lightweight division. Then, Islam Makhachev left behind his 155 lbs title to face the newly crowned champion Jack Della Maddalena. So, are we going to lose simultaneous titleholders? Dana White hasn’t said anything about this yet. But it seems like earning double-champ status now takes more than just a few title defenses. The clashes need to be legendary, or the fighter has to be a rare exception.

Conor McGregor did it first during the promotion’s debut at Madison Square Garden at UFC 205. Since then, Daniel Cormier, Henry Cejudo, and Amanda Nunes have been among the few to hoist two different belts at the same time. However, of late, the promotion is seemingly taking a different route with their double-champion status, which could only be altered for a special superstar – if Danier Cormier is to be believed.

Cormier thinks that the UFC might be heading in a direction where seeing a double champion becomes a rare, exclusive sight. But, he also thinks that if a certain fighter wanted to move back down to the light heavyweight division while still holding onto his heavyweight title, it could very well happen. But who would the head honcho be open to make that exception for?

During the Good Guy / Bad Guy show with Chael Sonnen, Cormier spilled his thoughts: “The guy for me, that I think the UFC, and I don’t know why they are so excited. I think it’s Jones. I think if Jones decided that he wanted to try and go 205 lbs, they would leave him as the heavyweight champion. I swear at it! Bro, I think that’s the only guy the UFC would do it for.”

Now that would definitely have been a very sound possibility if Jon ‘Bones’ Jones had decided to return to the division back in 2020, almost five years ago. However, making that move at this late stage of his career would be a tough call. However, the point ‘DC’ made was that it would take a big name and the right kind of glory to chase double champ status again. So, the sneaking suspicion might just be true that the promotion would only grant someone like Jones, or a superstar of similar caliber, that opportunity.

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The UFC heavyweight champion is currently in Thailand, clearly enjoying life while also hosting an MMA seminar at Bantao Muay Thai gym, co-owned by featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski. Now, there’s a fresh development as Alex Pereira is reportedly looking to join him there soon.

Jon Jones might join Alex Pereira in Thailand

Alex Pereira and Jon Jones have always shared mutual respect as two of the UFC’s most iconic stars. At one point, fans even speculated about a potential super-fight between the two. However, instead of rivalry, ‘Poatan’ has shown genuine interest in training with the heavyweight champ. During their encounter at UFC 306, Pereira said, “He has a ton of experience, but people are talking about him maybe doing only one or two fights more… I don’t know if that’s possible, but I want to at least be training with him.”

‘Bones’ is also in Thailand alongside Nate Diaz, filming for the Russian equivalent of The Ultimate Fighter. Meanwhile, a recent post by the X account UPFRONT MMA shared a video of Alex Pereira and his coach Plinio Cruz, captioned: “Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira and coach Plinio Cruz are heading to Thailand to train with Jon Jones!!” This potential collaboration could easily steal the spotlight, as two of the UFC’s most iconic stars come together.

Alex Pereira and Jon Jones could form the perfect training duo. Pereira’s looking to tighten his takedown defense while keeping his offense sharp—something he struggled with at UFC 313. For the rematch, he needs a solid partner to push his limits. Meanwhile, Jones could benefit from Pereira’s elite striking and knockout power as he gears up for a potential showdown with Tom Aspinall. It’s a win-win for both champions.

With that being said, do you think Jon Jones will ever return to the light heavyweight division? And do you believe that collaboration with Alex Pereira will actually happen? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!