Jon Jones' Legendary Former Coach Explains Why He's Picking Alex Pereira to Beat Ciryl Gane

Mike Winkeljohn, the veteran coach who was part of Jon Jones' storied career, is making his pick for the upcoming heavyweight clash — and it's not the man many expected. Winkeljohn is backing Alex Pereira to defeat Ciryl Gane when the two meet in June, citing Pereira's extraordinary striking pedigree and ability to close the distance against taller opponents.

Pereira, who has already held UFC titles at middleweight and light heavyweight, is attempting to add the heavyweight belt to his resume in what would be an unprecedented three-division championship run. His knockout power and precision kickboxing have made him one of the most feared strikers in mixed martial arts.

Gane, a skilled technical striker with impressive movement for a heavyweight, presents a unique challenge with his range and footwork. But Winkeljohn believes Pereira's experience in championship fights and his ability to absorb pressure will make the difference.

The fight also carries intrigue because of the Jones connection. Both Pereira and Jones have publicly expressed interest in fighting each other, with discussions even including a potential venue at the White House. Pereira has stated he still believes a Jones fight could happen, even as he focuses on the task at hand against Gane.

Winkeljohn's assessment carries weight given his long history with Jones and deep understanding of elite-level fighting dynamics.

What This Means For You: If you're an MMA fan or follow combat sports betting, this fight is shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the year. Pereira's pursuit of a third division title is historic, and the potential Jones matchup looms large. Whether you watch for the sport or bet on outcomes, this is one to circle on your calendar.