UFC Legend Jose Aldo Makes Bold Alex Pereira Claim Before Calling Out Movsar Evloev

Alex Pereira gets Mike Tyson comparison as José Aldo delivers brutal UFC verdict.© NDTV Photo Library

UFC legend José Aldo has compared Alex Pereira to Mike Tyson. The Brazilian fighter complimented Jon Jones as an all-round fighter and a significant pay-per-view draw. While speaking to MMA Fighting, the former featherweight champion said Pereira's value lies in his ability to finish fights. The ‘Junior' further states that Pereira's overall skill set may not be the most complete. Aldo also gave a blunt assessment of undefeated featherweight Movsar Evloev. The fighter said he would look to release Evloev if he ran the UFC. Aldo believes that the Russian does not sell tickets or generate enough interest.

Jose Aldo explains why he would cut Movsar Evloev if he were #UFC boss: "I'd wait for him to lose for the first time and then cut him because he's a guy who doesn't sell, a guy who puts on boring fights, a guy who doesn't draw attention." (???? @guicruzzz) https://t.co/0DZINRJE90

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) October 20, 2026

José Aldo on Alex Pereira and Jon Jones

Jose Aldo stressed that Alex Pereira joined the UFC when he was nearly 35. Eventually, Pereira went on to win titles in two divisions. The fighter acknowledged that “Poatan” is not an all-around technical fighter. 

He argued that his knockout power and willingness to engage make him one of the sport's most valuable stars. 

“But the guy is a Mike Tyson. He goes in there and knocks people out... Just like I say about Jon Jones, who has every skill in the game. He's a guy who sells.”

The 40-year-old compared Jones to Diego Maradona, someone whose life outside competition may attract criticism, but whose ability inside the arena remains undeniable.

José Aldo explains his harsh stance on Movsar Evloev

José Aldo's remarks on Movsar Evloev were far less flattering. The Brazilian said he would wait for the undefeated contender to lose once and then cut him. He argued that Evloev's style is boring, he remains inactive, and he fails to draw attention.

“I want to sell out my arena; I want my event to grow,” Aldo claimed, framing entertainment and marketability as essential parts of running a promotion. Evloev has built an unbeaten record in the UFC, but his points-based grappling style has often divided fans and commentators.

The ‘Poatan' is currently rebuilding at heavyweight after losing to Ciryl Gane in an interim-title fight. Pereira is set to face Sergei Pavlovich in a five-round co-main event at UFC 335 on December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. With a win potentially keeping him in title contention.

Jon Jones, meanwhile, remains one of MMA's most discussed figures despite no longer being an active titleholder. He recently said he found Pereira's matchup with Pavlovich difficult to predict, noting that Pereira looked hesitant in his loss to Gane.