Alex Pereira surprised by Jon Jones’ reaction to his loss

Alex Pereira expressed surprise at Jon Jones' reaction to his loss against Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title at UFC White House.

Pereira faced Gane for the interim belt and was hurt in the second round before being finished on the feet, though the finish was marred by controversy over several illegal blows. Following the loss, Jones posted a video of himself wearing a GOAT necklace—a reference to being the greatest fighter of all time—a gesture that caught Pereira off guard.

Pereira said he was bewildered by Jones' decision to mock him, particularly because he had never spoken negatively about Jones and had always shown respect. "I've never spoken bad about Jon Jones," Pereira explained on YouTube. "I've always respected him. For real, I don't understand why he did that. In a moment so difficult, he decided to provoke someone who's never provoked him." Pereira added that when Jones faced difficulties, he had offered him support, and said he would remain a fan despite the reaction.

Historically, Pereira (13-4) and Jones (28-1) maintained a respectful relationship. Pereira had even called for a White House matchup against Jones, who eagerly sought to be on the card and thanked Pereira for the callout. However, Jones' latest dig may have been directed more at UFC President Dana White than Pereira himself. White had previously championed Jones as the GOAT before Jones abruptly retired last year without facing interim champion Tom Aspinall. White had publicly stated he would consider Pereira the GOAT if he defeated Gane at the White House.