UFC veteran Matt Brown suggests that light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira should wait to see if Jon Jones defeats Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, potentially setting up a lucrative fight between Pereira and Jones, rather than immediately facing Magomed Ankalaev, despite Ankalaev’s strong contender status.
UFC 308 might see a new light heavyweight contender emerge when Magomed Ankalaev takes on Aleksandar Rakic. Yet, Matt Brown, a recently retired UFC veteran, suggests that current champion Alex Pereira should consider other options.
Ankalaev’s impressive 12-fight unbeaten streak makes him a logical challenger. However, after defending his title three times in 2024 and stepping up for the UFC, Pereira has the leverage to choose his next move. Brown advises the Brazilian to wait and see if Jon Jones defeats Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 for an intriguing opportunity.
“You wait,” Brown stated on The Fighter vs. The Writer. “The person losing out here is Ankalaev, despite doing everything right. But if you’re Pereira, his situation isn’t your concern.”
Brown believes Pereira should consider moving up to heavyweight. Be the first three-weight champion—shoot for the stars! Ankalaev can wait.
Pereira has dominated both the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions. He’s hinted at a move to heavyweight but acknowledges it will take time.
Despite his size, Pereira needs more muscle to compete with bigger opponents. Yet, the chance to face one of the greatest fighters ever could be irresistible.
Meanwhile, Jones has hinted that his fight against Miocic might be his last. Still, Brown speculates that a bout with Pereira could entice Jones to stay longer.
“This could rival any Conor McGregor fight,” Brown commented. “Promote it during Fight Week or at a huge venue like the Sphere. It’s heavyweight—there’s always a unique allure.”
Brown continued, “Imagine Jones, possibly the greatest ever, facing another guy aiming for history—a three-weight world champion. This could be massive.”
With Jones set to fight Miocic in November, Brown suggests Pereira should be present to build anticipation for their potential clash next year.
Even if it doesn’t lead to a fight, Brown sees it as an opportunity too good to miss given today’s UFC landscape.
“Be there at Madison Square Garden,” Brown advised. “If Jon wins, everything aligns perfectly for a super fight.”
“If Jon wins,” he added, “this could be as big as any Conor fight. Imagine the promotion possibilities! Jon’s stoic trash talk versus Alex’s comebacks—it screams money.”
That said, Brown heavily favors Jones if they do meet in the octagon but acknowledges an obstacle awaits at UFC 309.
“Realistically,” Brown remarked, “Jon could make this look easy against Alex—take him down and dominate.”
“But first,” he cautioned, “Jon must get through Stipe. Stipe isn’t easy prey; he might just shock everyone.”