Charles Oliveira is split over who Alex Pereira should fight next.
Oliveira was one of many backing Pereira as he made his comeback at UFC 320.
In the main event, ‘Poatan’ did not waste any time reclaiming the light heavyweight title, knocking out Magomed Ankalaev in just 80 seconds.
Following that memorable win, Pereira has several options for his next fight. The biggest potential matchup, featuring arguably the UFC’s top star, has particularly caught Oliveira’s interest.
Charles Oliveira breaks down a potential clash between Alex Pereira and Jon Jones
Pereira has spoken again about wanting to move up to heavyweight, and has gone as far as calling out Jon Jones for the White House event in 2026.
There has been no shortage of early opinions on how that fight might play out. ‘Do Bronx’ weighed in during his media day ahead of UFC Rio, where he is set to face Mateusz Gamrot in the main event.
While Oliveira is always quick to back his fellow Brazilian, he did show some hesitation when asked about a potential matchup with Jones, who many consider the greatest of all time.
“Talking about Jon Jones is a bit complicated. Because I admire him a lot,” Oliveira began by saying (via MMA Fighting).
“When I fought the first time, Jon Jones was there. When I was the breakthrough fighter, Jon Jones was there. I was number two, he was number one. I admire him a lot. He was there when I fought Michael Chandler the second time.”
“It’s definitely going to be a fight that I will sit down and cheer for Brazil, for ‘Poatan’. But I’ll be apprehensive watching it because (Jones) is great.
“But I think that whoever stands in front of ‘Poatan’, regardless of being someone who only takes people down, if (Pereira) lands a hand, he’s getting knocked out.”
Charles Oliveira could step into main event spotlight against Alex Pereira at UFC White House
Not long after Pereira voiced his interest in headlining at the White House, Oliveira put forward an idea that could put him in direct competition with his fellow Brazilian.
In the same media day appearance, Oliveira suggested a matchup with Conor McGregor for the event scheduled for June 14, 2026.
“When we talk about legacy, I think this will be something huge. Why not have a big fight there? So if the UFC needs me, I’m ready.
“Everyone knows which fight it would be. Charles Oliveira vs Conor McGregor. That would be the fight. The money fight.”
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