Alex Pereira leads touching tribute to Jon Jones' late brother after ex-NFL star's shock death at 39 - as Brazilian claims UFC light heavyweight title
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Alex Pereira led a tribute to Jon Jones’ late brother Arthur after clinching the light heavyweight title at UFC 320 in Las Vegas.

Pereira reclaimed the title at the T-Mobile Arena by beating Magomed Ankalaev in the main event.

The Brazilian superstar claimed victory in under 90 seconds with a technical knockout in the first round of his rematch against Ankalaev.

Instead of celebrating his win straight away in the post-fight interview, the 36-year-old chose to shift the spotlight to Jon Jones and his family, who were grieving a recent loss.

During his conversation with Joe Rogan inside the Octagon, Pereira asked the audience to observe a minute of silence to honor Jones’ brother Arthur, who tragically died at 39 on Friday.

Alex Pereira won the UFC light heavyweight title and then paid tribute to Jon Jones' brother

Alex Pereira won the UFC light heavyweight title and then paid tribute to Jon Jones’ brother

The Baltimore Ravens announced Super Bowl-winning defender Jones had died on Friday

The Baltimore Ravens announced Super Bowl-winning defender Jones had died on Friday

The Baltimore Ravens had confirmed the death of their Super Bowl-winning defensive tackle at his home in Syracuse, New York.

News Channel 9 reported that Arthur’s pacemaker had activated, alerting his doctor, but he was already deceased when emergency services reached him. Arthur had a known heart condition.

‘I had a whole speech prepared tonight, I talked it over with my team,’ Pereira said.

‘We got some news recently, something’s happened, I want to give my respect to Jon Jones and his family.

‘I want to ask everyone here and at home to take a moment of silence for his brother.’

Jones reacted to Pereira’s touching gesture on social media, with the three-time UFC champion writing ‘Wow Alex’ and adding a prayer emoji.

Pereira had previously opened up about the death of his own brother at the age of 18. 

Arthur had been spotted by Jon’s side throughout his esteemed MMA career, notably on stage at weigh-ins or in the stands when ‘Bones’ was fighting.

Jon Jones reacted to Pereira's gesture to ask the crowd to hold a moment's silence for Arthur

Jon Jones reacted to Pereira’s gesture to ask the crowd to hold a moment’s silence for Arthur

Jon Jones, left, had been supported by his brother at numerous fights during his career

Jon Jones, left, had been supported by his brother at numerous fights during his career

Jon, who recently stepped away from the sport, mentioned he might return for a much-anticipated UFC event set to take place at the White House.

Despite this, UFC head Dana White expressed doubts about Jones’ dependability, implying that he might not be included in the event’s lineup.

His brother Arthur, meanwhile, spent four seasons with the Ravens after being picked by the team in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, before enjoying brief stints with the Indianapolis Colts and the formerly-named Washington Redskins.

The Rochester-born defender, who is the older brother of ex-UFC Heavyweight champion Jon Jones and former New England Patriots star Chandler Jones, announced his retirement at the end of the 2017 season.

It was in Baltimore where he got his hands on a Super Bowl ring, after helping the team defeat the San Francisco 49ers in the 2012 showpiece.

Jones sacked 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the dying seconds of that triumph in New Orleans , where he also registered a fumble recovery to earn himself a special place in Baltimore history.

‘We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones’s sudden passing,’ Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement on Friday.

Pereira made the gesture after beating Magomed Ankalaev in their light heavyweight fight

Pereira made the gesture after beating Magomed Ankalaev in their light heavyweight fight

‘Arthur’s presence was a gift to everyone he encountered. His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continuously uplifted others.

‘He was kind, courteous and enthusiastic – always displaying a love for family, teammates and friends.

‘We send our deepest condolences to the Jones family and all who loved Arthur.’

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