Jon Jones is unsure what Alex Pereira can produce against Sergei Pavlovich in their upcoming heavyweight bout. Jones said Pereira’s hesitant performance in his loss to Ciryl Gane left him uncertain about the Brazilian’s chances. Pereira meets Pavlovich in a five-round co-main event at UFC 335 in Las Vegas on December 12, in his second heavyweight fight. Pereira is aiming to bounce back after Gane stopped him in the second round at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Pavlovich, a powerful knockout artist and former interim title challenger, presents a very different test. Jones said he will be watching closely rather than picking a winner.
Jon Jones expected more from Pereira against Gane and remains unsure about Pavlovich
Jon Jones said he expected Alex Pereira to offer Gane a much harder challenge. But he saw a fighter who seemed uncertain and maybe second-guessing himself, making it harder to judge how he might fare against Pavlovich.
“I don’t know. The Alex that showed up at the last fight was hesitant and maybe, you know, second-guessing himself. So, I don’t really know. You know, I actually thought Pereira would put on a much greater challenge against Ciryl Gane. So, it’s hard for me to say how Sergei and Alex are going to shake. But I will be watching, that’s for sure.”
The ‘Poatan’ was competing at heavyweight for the first time against Ciryl Gane, with the interim title on the line. The Brazilian had previously won UFC championships at middleweight and light heavyweight. He was trying to become the promotion’s first champion in three divisions.
Pereira looks to bounce back as Pavlovich eyes another run at UFC gold
Sergei Pavlovich enters the tournament with a reputation built on disastrous striking. The Russian holds a professional record of 20-3, while Pereira’s mark stands at 13-4. Their five-round fight is planned as the co-main event at UFC 335, which takes place at T-Mobile Arena.
The fight was officially declared during the UFC 332 broadcast after UFC CEO Dana White disclosed it on a live stream. It is not officially billed as a title eliminator, but a convincing win could put either heavyweight nearer to a championship opportunity.
Pereira’s challenge is clear: prove he can absorb the size and power of the heavyweight division. He brings the precision striking that made him a champion in two weight classes. Pavlovich will look to make the fight physical early and will take advantage of any hesitation.
The December bout will better show whether Pereira can recover from his first heavyweight setback. For Pavlovich, it is a chance to stop a former two-division champion and strengthen his case for another run at the belt.
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