Alex Poatan has given new indications that he may be close to facing Jon Jones in the UFC. After regaining his belt at UFC 320, the Pataxó fighter made it clear that he wants to face 'Bones' in a super fight in the heavyweight category (up to 120,2 kg). Months after the first indication, the Brazilian fueled speculation again by posting a 'hidden' message on social media.
In a video posted to his Instagram stories, Poatan appears behind the scenes of a recording for the Russian presenter Alfredo Auditore's show, at a tire shop where he used to work in São Bernardo do Campo (SP). In the scene, one detail caught the attention of fans: in the background, a tire with the phrase 'Jones is next', reinforcing rumors about the possible confrontation.
Jon Jones vs Alex Poatan ? 👀
The last time the Indian used that tire method was to warn that a fight with Ankalaev was coming… #UFC | #UFCBR pic.twitter.com/YYkyIG2g4x
— MMA Central (@acentraldomma) January 17, 2026
Dana White opposes holding the Alex Poatan vs. Jon Jones fight at UFC White House.
Despite Alex Poatan 's desire to face Jon Jones , and the American having already given the green light for the fight, Dana White doesn't seem confident that he'll be able to make a potential duel happen at the highly anticipated UFC White House event.
In an interview with 'Complex', Dana White stated that the fight would make sense if it were held in the 93kg category, but highlighted the uncertainty regarding Jon Jones ' availability and commitment to proceed with the duel.
"In the 93kg category? That would be a fight. But can I count on Jon Jones ?", said Dana White.
Alex Poatan at UFC 327?
Poatan celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Although Dana White has not released any official information, Alex Poatan recently publicly ruled out the possibility of competing at UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June, a decision that intensified rumors that he may be the main attraction at UFC 327, scheduled for April 11 in Miami.
To date, however, Poatan still does not have a defined opponent for the date. Among fans, three scenarios appear as the most discussed: a super fight against Jon Jones in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg); a duel against Ciryl Gane for the interim belt of the category, given the uncertainty about the return of Tom Aspinall ; or a title defense in the light heavyweight division against Carlos Ulberg or Khamzat Chimaev , who has already made clear his desire to face the Brazilian.
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