How Magomed Ankalaev spoiled Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira blockbuster UFC fight

Magomed Ankalaev's championship-clinching decision win against Alex Pereira on Saturday night at UFC 313 may have ended all hope of a potential superfight between Pereira and UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones.

Ankalaev Defeats Pereira In Las Vegas

I wanna think @danawhite @Mickmaynard2 keeping the word to me Abu Dhabi I will do everything I can to be a great champion my number one goal to finish all my opponent and make it look easy
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) March 9, 2025

UFC 313 full results & highlights for Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

UFC CEO Dana White said the possibility of a Jones-Pereira fight was more of a pipe dream than anything, commenting post-fight that Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) would have had more work to do had Pereira gotten past Ankalaev.

“When you’re trying to ask a guy to move up two weight classes to heavyweight and take on the greatest of all time … there’s still tough guys to fight in the light heavyweight division,” White said. “I believe in moving up after you clean out divisions. And this division wasn’t cleaned out yet.”

Alex Pereira fights Magomed Ankalaev during UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena. | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall

Although White is intent upon booking a Pereira-Ankalaev rematch, Jones' next opponent is inevitable: Tom Aspinall, the UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion.

“Listen, Jon Jones definitely wants the fight,” White said. “Just when and where is what we’re working on now. … I’m very confident that fight happens.”

Jon Jones celebrates defeating Stipe Miocoic in the heavyweight bout during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Is Alex Pereira going to steal Jon Jones fight ahead of Tom Aspinall?

White was pressed again, reassuring reporters if the fight were to happen, it would be this summer.

Nevertheless, Ankalaev (21-1-1, 1 NC, 12-1 UFC) is interested in fighting Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1, 1 NC UFC) if the promotion came to him with an offer. He also claimed he could beat Jones in his prime, too.

Magomed Ankalaev dethrones Alex Pereira in razor-close UFC 313 title fight

I think I could," Ankalaev said. "Back then, if I was fighting in the same time as Jon Jones, I don’t see why not.”

The direction of both divisions appears evident, and now the UFC has to execute.

More UFC & MMA News

• Ilia Topuria weighs-in on fight between his 'sons' Alexander Volkanovski & Diego Lopes

• Ex-champion Robbie Lawler gets Hall of Fame announcement during UFC 313 broadcast

• Magomed Ankalaev ties Mighty Mouse's UFC Record - how far is he from Jon Jones?

• UFC 313 Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev post-fight press conference live stream

Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC, MMA, and Boxing.

Follow MMA Knockout on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.