The sports world is still reeling from the loss of Arthur Jones, a former NFL defensive lineman and older brother to UFC legend Jon Jones. As per reports, the 39-year-old Super Bowl champion passed away suddenly at his home in Syracuse, New York, after his pacemaker alerted doctors to a cardiac episode. By the time medical help arrived, Arthur was gone. His death sent shockwaves through both the NFL and MMA communities, two worlds that rarely intersect, yet came together in mourning the Jones family’s loss.

Just a day after his passing, the grief stretched into the Octagon. At UFC 320, Alex Pereira, who reclaimed his light heavyweight title with a first-round knockout over Magomed Ankalaev, used his post-fight moment not to celebrate, but to honor Jon Jones’ brother. ‘Poatan’ stated, “I had a whole speech prepared tonight, I talked to my team over, but we got some news recently, something’s happened, so I want to give my respect to Jon Jones and his whole family”, before asking for a moment of silence. For nearly a minute, an arena of thousands fell quiet. Even’ Bones’, known for his stoic composure, later broke his silence on X with a simple, heartfelt post, “Wow Alex.”

Jon Jones shares a heartfelt request for “privacy” at his brother’s funeral

Now, Jon Jones is preparing to say his final goodbye. The former UFC heavyweight champion posted a message on X announcing the arrangements for his brother’s service, along with one sincere request: privacy.

As per ‘Bones’s post, “A funeral service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, at City Church, 285 Main Street, Binghamton, NY. Wake: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Service: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. We kindly ask that those who knew and loved Arthur join us in paying their respects. Out of respect for our family’s privacy during this difficult time, we ask that attendance be limited to close friends, family, and those who shared a meaningful connection with Arthur.”

It’s a rare, vulnerable message from a man often seen as unshakable. Jones, who has faced countless battles inside the cage and out, is now fighting a very different one with grief. His request for privacy speaks volumes about the depth of this loss. For the Jones family, the cameras and headlines can wait. This farewell, they’ve made clear, belongs to Arthur.

For those unaware, Arthur Jones wasn’t just a football player. He was a force of nature, drafted in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Arthur went on to win a Super Bowl in 2013, recording a sack and a fumble recovery in the game against the 49ers. “We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones’s sudden passing, Arthur’s presence was a gift to everyone he encountered,” said Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta in a statement. “His big, bright smile, infectious energy, and eternal positivity created a presence that continuously uplifted others.”

As such, when Alex Pereira asked for silence at UFC 320, it was a gesture that transcended rivalry. It was one fighter recognizing another’s pain. For Jon Jones, that moment, shared by thousands of fans, was proof that even in loss, respect still lives in combat sports. But will the two superstars face each other anytime soon? Because after UFC 320, the Brazilian knockout artist has laid out a bold demand!

Alex Pereira reveals why he didn’t call out Jones at UFC 320 as he demands a White House “superfight”

With Alex Pereira’s hand raised and the belt back around his waist, the Brazilian wasn’t just thinking about victory; he was thinking about legacy. Moments after honoring Jon Jones’ family, Pereira turned his focus toward the future. And not just any future. He wants a fight that would shake the sport to its core!

Speaking at the post-fight press conference, ‘Poatan’ confessed, “Thanks for congratulating me, but all I want is a superfight, I want to fight at heavyweight.”  Before losing his belt to Ankalaev earlier this year, Pereira had already hinted at moving up to heavyweight, to chase history as the UFC’s first three-division champion. Now, with the gold back, the dream feels alive again. But this time, the name on his lips wasn’t Ciryl Gane or Tom Aspinall. It was Jon Jones.

He continued, “With all due respect, with all the respect I have for the situation … I was going to ask for Jon Jones at the White House, but with everything that happened, it’s not the right time to talk about it. I want a superfight. It would be at the White House against Jon Jones. That’s a superfight.”

Jones, who briefly retired earlier this year, is reportedly already planning a return for the UFC White House card, an event marking a historic collaboration between the promotion and Washington, D.C. Yet, whether the bout ever happens remains uncertain. After all, CEO Dana White has expressed doubts, claiming he can’t trust Jones enough to headline the event. But for now, that conversation must wait. Jon Jones isn’t a fighter preparing for war this week; he’s the brother preparing for goodbye. His message was clear: privacy first, respect above all.