MIAMI — UFC fighter Jon Jones stated on July 5, 2026, that a viral video he posted after Alex Pereira's loss was not intended as a personal attack. Jones told Red Corner MMA that his video was directed at his own detractors.

"After the fight, I made a video that went pretty viral," he 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."

He further explained the target audience of his post. "My little video after Alex’s loss was a message to all my haters," he said. "It wasn’t directed towards Alex, so I want to make that really clear." He added, "I have nothing but respect for Alex."

Jones commented on the fight itself, stating that he watched the bout and felt Pereira came in too big. He suggested that Pereira's weight might have impacted his performance, noting he would have been better off fighting around 230 or 235 pounds to keep his speed. He observed that Pereira appeared hesitant during the fight, second-guessing and questioning things without getting his ball rolling. Despite his commentary, Jones conveyed well wishes for Pereira and cited a previous interaction as a reason for his respect, recalling that Pereira held a moment of silence for Jones's brother after his death. Jones holds UFC titles in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, having won the heavyweight championship by defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 for a title vacated by Francis Ngannou. Alex Pereira has secured UFC titles in the 205-pound and 185-pound divisions.