Alex Pereira addresses Jon Jones' arthritis diagnosis and future UFC plans
Jon Jones has recently disclosed his battle with severe arthritis in his left hip, an injury so significant that it necessitates a hip replacement. This revelation has sparked curiosity about its impact on Alex Pereira's future plans, particularly his anticipated bout with Jones at the upcoming UFC event at the White House on June 14. However, Pereira remains unfazed by the news.
In an interview with Valter Walker's YouTube channel, Pereira shared his perspective on chronic injuries among high-level athletes, stating, 'I think every athlete has chronic injuries, serious injuries.' He expressed his understanding of Jones' situation, given his own history of injuries. Pereira's determination to continue his career is evident, as he remains open to facing any opponent, regardless of weight class.
Pereira's focus remains on the upcoming White House event, even if Jones is no longer part of the dance. He emphasizes his willingness to fight anyone presented to him, indicating a potential move to the heavyweight division. Pereira's confidence in his abilities is clear, as he believes that the current light heavyweight division is highly competitive, with every ranked fighter having a chance to win at any moment.
The Brazilian fighter's success against former champions has indeed made the list of contenders at 205 pounds shorter. However, Pereira remains humble, acknowledging the danger posed by every fighter in the division, regardless of their ranking or name recognition. He concludes, 'If you train and you’re ranked and you want to fight, let’s fight.'