Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira is a fantasy fight that many MMA fans love to dream about. Many faces in the UFC have addressed this potential super fight. Some picked Jones while some picked Pereira. Prominent sports commentator Stephen A. Smith too had his own pick on who would win a fighter between ‘Poatan’ and ‘Bones’.
Stephen A. Smith recently hosted Daniel Cormier on the latest episode of ESPN MMA’s ‘First Take’ podcast. During the discussion, Cormier brought up the Jones vs. Pereira matchup. Stephen A. Smith passionately made a bold prediction on how would play out.
Jon ‘Bones’ Jones is the greatest ever in my opinion. He would take Pereira out inside two rounds. And you know what, he won’t throw a punch
Stephen A. Smith on First Take
Jon Jones dominated the light heavyweight division for the majority of his career before taking over the heavyweight division last year. Meanwhile, Alex Pereira has just eight UFC fights under his belt and he has already become a two-division champion. ‘Poatan’ currently holds the light heavyweight title which he will defend against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303.
However, he had already announced plans to potentially move up weight classes and fight in the heavyweight division for the ultimate title. If that happens a fight between ‘Bones’ and ‘Poatan’ is inevitable.
Stephen A. Smith backs Jon Jones to beat Alex Pereira in a potential fight:
“Jon Bones Jones is the greatest ever… he will take Pereira out inside of 2 rounds. And you know what, he won’t throw a punch…
I’m telling you right now, [Jones] will take him out. He can’t mess with… pic.twitter.com/qdMu3dE9hC
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 28, 2024
Jon Jones himself has addressed a potential showdown with the light heavyweight champion and that is a fight that he would not mind. Alex Pereira has long faced criticism for lacking skills in grappling. Many believe that ‘Poatan’ would easily go down against someone who tries to wrestle the Brazilian although nobody has been successful yet.
Alex Pereira gains over 25lb under 24 hours for UFC 303
Alex Pereira is a big guy. The light heavyweight champion stands at 6 feet 4 inches tall (193 cm) and weighs 205 pounds (93 kg). He recently stepped in for the weigh-ins for his upcoming title defense against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303.
Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka (via BJ PENN)The Brazilian made weight, coming in at 204.5lb just under the weight limit of 205lb. However, just hours later ‘Poatan’ shared a video ahead of fight night where the scale read just over 230lb. That is a whopping 25lb weight gain in just under twenty-four hours, close to his walk-around weight. This happens when fighters rehydrate and regain weight quickly after intense weight cuts.
It is done to replenish lost fluids and energy reserves before stepping into the octagon. However, this massive difference could prove to be advantageous for ‘Poatan’ who has already beaten the former champion once at UFC 295. It will be interesting to see what happens at the main event at UFC 303.
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