Alex Pereira 'surprised' by Jon Jones' post-fight video: 'I just don't understand why he did that'

Alex Pereira says he was surprised by Jon Jones’ post-fight video and cannot understand why Jones acted that way. The moment followed Pereira’s bid to win a UFC title on June 14 at the White House, a move that would have made him the first fighter to hold UFC belts in three divisions. Jones uploaded a reaction video that carried no dialogue but showed him wearing a goat necklace. Later, Jones posted a message congratulating Ciryl Gane for defeating Pereira by a second-round KO, a result that framed the postfight chatter around both fighters. Pereira has long publicly respected Jones despite their rivalry.

During a YouTube address, Pereira said the video surprised him and stressed that he has never spoken badly about Jones. 'I’ve always respected him,' he said, adding that he never claimed to be the greatest and that debates over greatness are not his concern. Pereira noted he moved up a weight class after reclaiming his light-heavyweight belt with a first-round KO of Ankalaev in 2025 and has pursued a high-profile bout with Jones, though the UFC chose another direction. He emphasized he remains a fan and that his respect for Jones will endure while he pursues his own legacy.