Jon Jones has clarified that his viral post-fight video following Alex Pereira’s heavyweight loss was aimed at his critics, not at the former two-division champion.
Pereira was knocked out in the second round by Ciryl Gane in a bout for a vacant interim heavyweight championship at UFC White House. Afterward, Pereira criticized referee Herb Dean for missing what he alleged were illegal strikes in the finishing sequence. Not long after, Jones posted a video wearing a GOAT necklace that quickly spread online.
“After the fight, I made a video that went pretty viral,” Jones said. “It was just a video of me with a GOAT necklace on and I was just making a look and I felt as if that felt like an attack to Alex and I just want to say here, if he sees this interview, that I meant no disrespect to Alex and that.”
“A lot of people before the fight were saying if Alex wins, he’s the greatest of all time. My little video after Alex’s loss was a message to all my haters. It wasn’t directed towards Alex, so I want to make that really clear. I have nothing but respect for Alex,” Jones added.
Jones also pointed to a personal moment between the two. “I wish Alex all the best, though,” he said. “After my brother died, Pereira came out and had a moment of silence for my brother, and I respect that very, very dearly.”
Jones previously defeated Gane at UFC 285 to win a vacant heavyweight title once held by Francis Ngannou and later defended it against Stipe Miocic, while Pereira has captured UFC gold at both 185 and 205 pounds.
