Jon Jones desires you to know that he meant no hurt to Alex Pereira in a latest video he apparently made for ‘Poitan’.
On the UFC White Home, Pereira was trying so as to add the interim heavyweight championship to his assortment after beforehand profitable titles at 205 and 185 kilos. Pereira confronted Cyril Gane for the vacant belt, and had he gained, he would have develop into the primary three-division titleholder in UFC historical past.
Sadly for Pereira, he was eradicated within the second spherical and spent a lot of the post-fight battle with referee Herb Dean for lacking a foul shot from Gane throughout the ending scene. He additionally commented on a video that seemed to be made by Jones mocking Pereira’s GOAT standing, and Jones is at present clarifying the state of affairs.
“After the battle, the video I made went fairly viral,” Jones instructed Pink Nook MMA. “It was a video of me sporting the GOAT necklace and I used to be simply watching, however it felt like an assault on Alex, so I wish to say right here that if he noticed this interview, I did not imply to disrespect Alex or that.
“Earlier than the battle, lots of people have been saying that if Alex gained, he could be the best of all time. My little video after Alex misplaced was a message to all my haters. It wasn’t directed at Alex, so I wish to make that clear. I’ve nothing however respect for Alex.”
Jones additionally holds UFC titles in two divisions. Similar objective as Pereira within the gentle heavyweight division, and Pereira within the heavyweight division. One massive distinction is that it took Jones three years to maneuver as much as heavyweight, however the determination labored out effectively for him as he made brief work of Gane at UFC 285 to take the vacant belt from Francis Ngannou. He then efficiently defended his title towards Stipe Miocic with an awesome efficiency.
Jones mentioned a scarcity of correct preparation might have negatively affected Pereira.
“I did watch the sport,” Pereira mentioned. “I felt like Pereira. He was too massive. I believe he would have been higher off maintaining that velocity and preventing round 230, 235. I believe that most likely mirrored his energy.”
“However throughout the battle, you have been watching him and he was ready. He was second-guessing issues, he was questioning issues. That is one of many worst issues you possibly can’t do in a battle. You are out in entrance of your opponent, you already know the strikes, you already know when you ought to throw a punch, you need to throw a kick, you need to throw a takedown. It is a nightmare feeling when you already know you are speculated to go for it and you do not do it. Earlier than you already know it, you are there and you are not doing it, you are simply watching, and the identical factor occurred again and again in observe, and I used to be like, ‘That is what occurred to Alex. He may by no means transfer his ball. Cyril Gane got here at him in a southpaw stance, which I believe was a problem for Pereira as effectively. He was quick, highly effective and unconventional. It was an ideal storm for Pereira. ”
Regardless of the latest controversy, Jones was adamant there is no such thing as a lasting sick will between him and Pereira, who’ve admired one another prior to now. The truth is, he’s grateful to Pereira for being there for him throughout tough instances.
“That mentioned, I want Alex the very best of luck,” Jones mentioned. “After my brother died, Pereira got here out and held a second of silence for my brother, which I very, very respect.”
