Jones clarifies GOAT necklace post was aimed at haters, not Pereira

Jon Jones has broken his silence on the viral GOAT necklace video he posted following Alex Pereira’s second-round stoppage loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250, telling Red Corner MMA that the clip was never intended as a slight against “Poatan”.

Pereira (13-4) had been chasing history at the event last month, looking to become a three-division UFC champion by claiming the interim heavyweight title. Gane ended that bid in the second round, and within moments Jones (28-1) had posted a video of himself wearing a GOAT necklace — a move that drew swift criticism from fans and appeared to catch even Pereira off guard, given the mutual respect the two fighters had previously shown each other.

Jones was unequivocal in explaining his intent. “I wish Alex all the best though,” he said. “After my brother died, Pereira came out and had a moment of silence for my brother. And I respect that very, very dearly. And after the fight I made a video that went viral. It was a video of me with a GOAT necklace on. It felt like an attack to Alex. And I wanna say it here that I meant no disrespect to Alex.”

He went on to identify the real target of the post. “A lot of people, before the fight, were saying that if Alex wins he is the greatest of all time. And my little video after Alex’s loss was a message to all my haters. It wasn’t directed towards Alex. So I wanna make that very clear. I have nothing but respect for Alex.”

Jones did not name specific individuals, but UFC president Dana White had been among those suggesting Pereira would have a strong claim to the GOAT status with a win over Gane. The comment carries added weight given that Jones is currently at odds with the UFC after failing to secure a place on the recent White House card.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, Jones has long been at the centre of the GOAT debate. His clarification draws a clear line between what he characterises as a response to outside provocation and any disrespect toward a fellow champion who honoured his family during a period of personal grief.