The potential matchup between Alex Pereira and Jon Jones has captured the attention of UFC fans, but it is currently not a priority for the promotion. Earlier this summer, UFC CEO Dana White expressed doubts about the fight due to the significant size difference between the two athletes. He pointed out that Jones is “bigger” than Pereira, known as ‘Poatan’. Despite this skepticism, the idea of a heavyweight clash has resurfaced, particularly with plans for a UFC event at the White House on June 14, 2024.
The UFC is now faced with renewed interest in Pereira following his recent victory at UFC 320, where he regained his light heavyweight title in a spectacular fashion, defeating Magomed Ankalaev in just 80 seconds. After the fight, Pereira hinted at a move to the heavyweight division, suggesting he would like to face Jones at the White House event. This statement reignited discussions among fans and analysts alike, although Dana White quickly downplayed the possibility.
Veteran UFC announcer Bruce Buffer shared his thoughts on the hypothetical matchup during an interview on October 14, 2023. Buffer stated, “We’d all love to see Jon fight Pereira, but I really feel that Jon should fight Tom Aspinall. I mean, he’s a heavyweight. Jon’s not going to go back down to light heavyweight at all.” Buffer emphasized that Pereira should focus on defending his title in the light heavyweight division, where there are still contenders to face.
Earlier this year, Jon Jones retired from the UFC without defending his title against Aspinall, which had been delayed for almost two years. This decision effectively stalled the heavyweight division. Although White had promised that the Aspinall vs. Jones fight was “100%” on track, he was aware that Jones had already decided against returning. “If the bosses don’t want the Alex Pereira fight to happen, then I’ll just move on with my life,” Jones stated during a recent media event, indicating his willingness to pursue a “super fight” instead.
Following the announcement of the UFC White House event by former President Donald Trump, Jones positioned himself as a leading candidate to headline the card. However, Dana White has expressed concerns about Jones’ reliability, stating, “Jon Jones is the greatest of all time, I still know that to be a fact. But he’s not the greatest of all time ‘guy you can count on that you know 100 percent is going to be solid and be there’.”
In contrast, Conor McGregor, who has not fought since 2021, is also eyeing a spot on the White House card. McGregor’s return is highly anticipated, as he remains one of the UFC’s most marketable figures. While plans for the event are still in their infancy, Dana White is focused on assembling a reliable lineup for what he envisions as a unique occasion.
As the situation evolves, the UFC continues to navigate the complexities of matchmaking in a sport that thrives on fan engagement and high-stakes bouts. While the prospect of a Jones vs. Pereira fight remains uncertain, the upcoming White House event promises to bring high-profile competition to the forefront and may redefine the futures of some of the sport’s biggest names.
