Jon Jones and Alex Pereira appear to have put an end to their brief misunderstanding after linking up backstage during the UFC 329 ceremonial weigh-ins in Las Vegas.
The two former champions were seen greeting each other warmly, with footage also showing Pereira playfully attempting a takedown on Jones as the pair shared a laugh.
The interaction comes after a minor controversy emerged following Pereira’s recent loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.
Following the defeat, Jones posted a video of himself wearing a “GOAT” necklace, which quickly went viral among MMA fans. Many supporters of Pereira interpreted the post as a subtle jab at ‘Poatan,’ especially given previous discussions surrounding Pereira’s place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Jon Jones reveals why he felt “offended” by GOAT comparisons involving Alex Pereira
However, Jon Jones later clarified that the post was never intended as a shot at the Brazilian.
Speaking backstage, ‘Bones‘ explained:
“I meant no disrespect. Dana White was saying [Alex] is gonna be the GOAT. I felt offended by Dana’s comments. I felt like Dana was trying to attack me. I was like, come on Dana.”
Jon Jones added that his issue was with the narrative surrounding the GOAT debate rather than Pereira himself.
The clarification appears to have been well received by Pereira, with both men putting any speculation to rest during their meeting at T-Mobile Arena.
The pair have long shared mutual respect despite constant fan debates over hypothetical matchups and legacy comparisons. Jones remains widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, having held titles at both light heavyweight and heavyweight. Pereira, meanwhile, has become one of the promotion’s biggest stars after winning championships in two divisions and establishing himself as one of the sport’s premier knockout artists.
Their backstage reunion effectively ends any suggestion of personal animosity between the two fighters.
Instead, the meeting served as another reminder that the perceived rivalry was largely created by fan speculation and social media interpretations rather than any genuine bad blood between Jones and Pereira.
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