Jon Jones Explains Why Alex Pereira’s Heavyweight Move Failed Against Ciryl Gane

Alex Pereira's move to heavyweight was supposed to answer one of the biggest "what ifs" in modern MMA. Instead, his ambitious UFC Freedom 250 debut came crashing down in flames after Ciryl Gane crushed the former two-division champion in a performance that exposed just how unforgiving the heavyweight division can be.

Few people, however, have expertise in analyzing what went wrong more than former HW champion Jon Jones. Looking back on the matchup, Jones believes the Brazilian's issues began long before the opening bell, suggesting his physical transformation may have worked against him. 

Jon Jones Believes Alex Pereira Bulked Up Too Much

Stating the obvious, Jones recently revealed that "Poatan" looked noticeably different from the version that demolished the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. While adding muscle is expected for anyone moving to heavyweight, the former champion believes Pereira sacrificed one of his greatest weapons in the process, his speed. 

"I felt like Pereira, he came in too big," Jon Jones explained to Red Coner MMA. "I think he would have been better off fighting around 230-235, keeping that speed. I feel like his power would have possibly translated over."

Rather than seeing the aggressive counter striker fans had grown accustomed to, Jones felt Pereira spent much of the contest hesitating.

According to "Bones," the Brazilian appeared caught between reacting and committing, a feeling he described as one of the worst a fighter can experience inside the cage.

"In the fight you just saw him, he was waiting. He was second-guessing things, questioning things... You find yourself out there watching instead of doing." The veteran admitted that he, too, has experienced similar moments during training, where hesitation replaces instinct despite knowing exactly what should be thrown.

Jon Jones Praises Ciryl Gane After UFC Freedom 250

In the meantime, he also credited Gane, his former foe, for creating those doubts. Having prepared extensively for the Frenchman before submitting him in 2023, Jones opined that Gane's southpaw stance, athleticism, and speed proved too much even for an accomploshed kickboxer like for Pereira.

"He never really got his ball rolling. Ciryl Gane came at him in a southpaw stance... He was fast, powerful, unorthodox. It was the perfect storm for Pereira, and he didn't survive it." Despite the one-sided assessment, Jones wished Pereira well and made it clear that losing to someone of Gane's caliber shouldn't diminish anything the 38-year-old has accomplished.

Jon Jones Applauds Conor McGregor’s Return

While discussing the current state of the UFC, Jones also shared his admiration for another superstar preparing to make headlines.

The fandom is awaiting the massive return of Conor McGregor against Max Holloway at UFC 329 next weekend after another lengthy hiatus away from competition. And Jones believes the Irishman deserves immense respect simply for choosing to fight again.

"Conor doesn't need to fight. He has everything," Jones said. "I respect the fact that he's coming back to fight so much because it shows that he is a fighter in his heart."

Jon Jones Faced Similar Predicament to Conor McGregor

In fact, the former two-division champ knows better than most what it's like to return after years away on the sidelines. Jones himself spent roughly three years away from the sport before moving to heavyweight and capturing the UFC title against Gane. 

Rather than focusing on the doubts surrounding the former two-division champion, Jones pointed to Dubliner's resilience throughout his career - 

"I'm rooting for him. I'm proud of Conor. I'm a massive fan and I think I will be for the rest of my life... He’s had a lot of struggles, ups and downs just like I have. But he always gets back on his feet. Which is a huge example to so many out there."

With "The Notorious" preparing for one of the most anticipated comebacks in recent UFC history and Pereira already plotting his next move following his failed heavyweight debut, Jones believes both stars remain capable of writing another memorable chapter.