Remember when Alex Pereira was all about hitting the gym with Jon Jones? Well, scratch that plan. The UFC light heavyweight champ has had a change of heart, and it’s all about keeping things clean, especially with a potential future showdown looming.

Pereira, who’s gearing up to defend his title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, was asked about his previous desire to train with heavyweight king Jon Jones. Initially, Pereira expressed interest in working with Jones before his scheduled fight with Stipe Miocic. But now? Not so much.

“To be honest, I don’t think that makes as much sense anymore,” Pereira stated. He explained that his past comments about moving up to heavyweight sparked speculation about a potential Jones matchup. “Back when I said that I would like to fight at heavyweight, people already put the dots together and basically mentioned Jon Jones. That’s something that is speculated, even if it’s just by the fans.”

Here’s the key reason for the change: Pereira wants to avoid any potential drama or accusations if he and Jones were to eventually clash in the octagon. “So I wouldn’t want to go and train with him now, and then if we end up fighting, people will start saying a bunch of stuff about whatever in the fight.”

He did leave the door slightly ajar however. “I think it wouldn’t make sense now, but if we were to fight one day and then go train, I think it would make total sense.”

Pereira Eyes Jones vs. Aspinall: "I'll Be Watching as a Fan"

Jon Jones’ next move is still a hot topic, and Alex Pereira is just as interested as the rest of us. After his dominant win over Stipe Miocic, “Bones” has been teasing a potential champ-vs-champ showdown with Pereira himself. But, let’s be real, most fans—and even UFC boss Dana White—are clamoring for a heavyweight unification bout between Jones and interim champ Tom Aspinall.

The question is, will Jones choose the “legacy” fight against Pereira, or will he solidify his heavyweight reign against the surging Aspinall?

Pereira, while potentially a future opponent, is keeping a close eye on the heavyweight division’s drama. If Jones and Aspinall do clash, “Poatan” will be tuning in, albeit with a fan’s perspective.

“I won’t necessarily be studying the fight, but I’d watch it closely,” Pereira said. He acknowledges the inherent excitement of any heavyweight clash, especially one involving Jones and Aspinall. “Obviously, any heavyweight fight is already exciting, and then you put in Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. I think that’s a very exciting fight, so I’ll be watching closely, but as a fan.”