Former UFC two-division champion Jon Jones has responded to Alex Pereira after ‘Poatan’ issued a tribute to the Jones family following the recent passing of Jon’s older brother Arthur.

It was confirmed this past weekend that Arthur Jones, the former NFL player and sibling of Jon and Chandler Jones, had sadly passed away at the age of 39.

The news, which made headlines prior to last weekend’s UFC 320 event during which Pereira regained the UFC’s 205-pound title from Magomed Ankalaev, caused Pereira to ditch his post-fight plans — which he later said was to issue a callout to Jones to fight at next year’s planned event on the White House lawn.

Speaking to the media, though, Pereira instead said: “I had a whole speech prepared tonight. I talked to my team over it, but we got some news recently.

“Something’s happened, so I want to give my respect to Jon Jones and his whole family, and I want to ask everyone here and everyone at home to take a moment of silence for his brother.”

The news of Pereira’s statement quickly reached Jones, who issued a brief response on social media: “Wow Alex.”

Separately, Conor McGregor noted Arthur Jones’ passing on social media, writing: “Very sad to hear this news. Arthur was a great man, a friendly giant! God speed Arthur Jones.”

Much like Chandler Jones, Arthur Jones was noted for his career on the gridiron. He was best known for his three-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens with whom he won Super Bowl XLVII. He also spent three years with the Indianapolis Colts before calling time on his career following a stint with the team now known as the Washington Commanders.