Is Jon Jones the undisputed best fighter in the UFC? Alex Pereira say yes

In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), there are few names as dominant and polarizing as Jon “Bones” Jones. He is a fighter whose legacy spans over a decade, filled with record-breaking performances, controversy, and an undeniable reign of dominance.

Recently, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex “Poatan” Pereira was asked two simple questions:

• “Who is the best fighter in the UFC right now?”

• “Jon Jones.”

• “Who is the pound-for-pound (P4P) best fighter currently?”

• “Jon Jones.”

Pereira’s quick and definitive answers further cement the general consensus among fans, fighters, and analysts—Jon Jones is not just great; he might be the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.

The Legacy of Jon Jones: Unmatched Dominance

Jon Jones’s rise to superstardom in the UFC has been nothing short of historic. Born on July 19, 1987, in Rochester, New York, Jones came from a family of elite athletes, including his brothers Arthur and Chandler Jones, both of whom played in the NFL.

Jones’s natural athleticism and wrestling pedigree set the stage for what would become an era of dominance in the UFC’s light heavyweight division.

Youngest UFC Champion in History

In March 2011, at just 23 years old, Jon Jones defeated Maurício “Shogun” Rua to become the youngest champion in UFC history. This was just the beginning.

Over the next decade, Jones defended his title multiple times, defeating some of the biggest names in the sport, including:

• Daniel Cormier (twice, though one win was overturned due to a failed drug test)
• Alexander Gustafsson (in a legendary battle at UFC 165)
• Glover Teixeira
• Lyoto Machida
• Rampage Jackson
• Vitor Belfort

His ability to outstrike elite strikers, outwrestle world-class grapplers, and outthink every opponent made him a nearly impossible puzzle to solve inside the octagon.

Light Heavyweight GOAT? No Debate.

By the time he vacated the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2020, Jon Jones had:

• Most title defenses in UFC light heavyweight history (8)
• Longest unbeaten streak in UFC history (19 fights)
• Most wins in UFC light heavyweight history

His dominance was so overwhelming that no true losses exist on his record, aside from a controversial disqualification against Matt Hamill in 2009 for illegal elbows.

Pound-for-Pound Best Fighter in UFC History?

Being the best fighter in a weight class is one thing—but being the best across all divisions is another challenge entirely.

The pound-for-pound (P4P) rankings are used to determine who the most skilled and dominant fighter is, regardless of weight. And for years, Jon Jones has sat at the top or near the top of that list.

Even UFC President Dana White has repeatedly referred to Jones as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.

The Move to Heavyweight: A New Era

After cleaning out the light heavyweight division, Jones vacated his title in 2020 and announced his move to heavyweight—a challenge he had been eyeing for years.

For over two years, fans eagerly waited for his heavyweight debut. Many wondered:

• Would Jones still dominate in a division with bigger, stronger opponents?
• Could his speed and technique overcome the sheer size and power of elite heavyweights?

In March 2023, at UFC 285, Jones finally stepped into the octagon as a heavyweight against Ciryl Gane, a former interim heavyweight champion known for his elite striking.

UFC 285: Jones Destroys Ciryl Gane in Minutes

The fight lasted just two minutes.

Jones effortlessly took Gane down, controlled him on the ground, and secured a guillotine choke submission—ending the fight in one of the most dominant championship performances in UFC history.

With that win, Jon Jones became the UFC heavyweight champion, solidifying his claim as the greatest of all time.

Pereira’s Recognition: What It Means

For a fighter like Alex Pereira—a two-division kickboxing champion and current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion—to so confidently name Jon Jones as the best fighter in the world speaks volumes.

Pereira himself has achieved incredible feats in a short time, including:

• Defeating Israel Adesanya to win the UFC Middleweight Championship
• Moving up to light heavyweight and capturing the title
• Knocking out top-tier opponents with his legendary power

Despite his own dominance, Pereira’s immediate response to the question about the best UFC fighter highlights the respect and recognition Jones has earned.

What’s Next for Jon Jones?

Jon Jones’s next opponent is still uncertain, but multiple fights are being discussed:

1. Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

Originally, Jones was scheduled to face Stipe Miocic, the most accomplished heavyweight in UFC history. However, an injury delayed the fight. If Jones and Miocic finally meet, it could be one of the biggest fights in UFC history.

2. Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall

UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has been calling for a fight with Jones. Dana White has hinted that Jones vs. Aspinall could happen this summer. This fight would be a clash of generations with Aspinall representing the new wave of heavyweight talent.

3. A Potential Superfight with Alex Pereira?

Some fans have speculated that Alex Pereira could move up to heavyweight for a superfight with Jon Jones. Pereira’s striking is elite, but could he handle Jones’s wrestling and fight IQ?

Jon Jones: The GOAT debate settled?

The debate about who is the greatest MMA fighter of all time is one that will never truly end. However, Jon Jones has more credentials than any fighter in history to claim the title of GOAT.

• Dominated the light heavyweight division for over a decade
• Most title defenses in light heavyweight history
• Never truly lost a fight
• He moved up to heavyweight and became champion in his first fight

The only remaining question is how long he will continue fighting.

Final Thoughts: The King Stands Tall

Jon Jones’s legacy is already written in history, but he isn’t done yet. With the heavyweight division now under his rule, he has the chance to further solidify his status as the greatest fighter to ever step into the octagon.

Alex Pereira’s instant recognition of Jones as the best fighter in the UFC and the pound-for-pound king only reinforces what fans and analysts have known for years—Jon Jones is in a league of his own.

As the MMA world watches, one thing is certain:

The reign of Jon Jones is far from over!