Keeping an eye on the UFC in the White House, Alex Poatan reacts to the news about Jon Jones' chronic injury: 'It's nothing new'

Alex Pagan and Jon Jones pose for photos at UFC 306 in the Sphere. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFContnt

Currently the most popular name in the UFC, Alex Poatan makes no secret of his desire to test himself in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg). With the possibility of winning another title in the most prestigious division of combat sports in sight, the São Paulo native has also shown interest in facing Jon Jones . In this context, the American's recent statement about having severe arthritis in his hip doesn't seem to have impressed the Pataxó fighter.

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In an interview with journalist Leonardo Guimarães on Valter Walker 's official YouTube channel, the light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) didn't seem surprised by the news about Bones' injury. According to him, it's understandable and even expected that someone with so many years of service to MMA would have incurable injuries all over their body.

"I think every athlete has chronic injuries, serious injuries. If a high-level athlete says something like that, considering his history, it's not news to me," stated the veteran combat sports athlete.

In addition to his achievements in the world's largest MMA organization, the Brazilian was also a two-time champion on the biggest kickboxing stage in the world, Glory. Even after several memorable moments, Poatan also wants to headline one of the most anticipated events in the history of the sport, at the White House in June. With so many possible opponents, he emphasized that he is not too worried about who will be on the other side of the octagon.

“Whoever they put in front of me, I will fight. I love fighting, so it doesn’t matter the weight class — of course, if they say middleweight, I can’t fight in that class anymore. In the other two divisions, light heavyweight and heavyweight, (the opponent) is indifferent to me,” he stated.

Alex Pereira vs Jon Jones promo 🏆🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZyncGpUzRm

— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) January 30, 2026

Poatan also did not rule out remaining in the light heavyweight division.

Poatan arrives at the event to fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Beyond the opportunity to make history as one of the best of all time, Alex is also determined to stay in the 93 kg division and continue defending his crown.

“I think everyone there, at least the ranked ones, has a chance to win at any moment. They are facing each other with a lot of grit, so they are the best. From number 10 upwards, any fighter you put there is dangerous. It's a fight. There are a lot of people—maybe not so relevant names, but I don't care about that. If you train, you're ranked, and you want to fight, let's fight,” he concluded.

Despite starting his UFC career as a middleweight (up to 83,9 kg), it was in the higher weight class that he had his best moments, with victories against Jiri Prochazka , Jamahal Hill , and Magomed Ankalaev . Currently, only Azamat Murzakanov has yet to face the champion.

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