UFC President Dana White has not entirely ruled out the prospect of a showdown between Jon Jones and Alex Pereira at the upcoming UFC White House event. Jones, eager to secure a spot on this historic June 14 card, reversed his retirement to increase his chances of participating on this special occasion marking America’s 250th anniversary.
Despite Jones’ determination, White remains cautious due to earlier complications involving Jones and Tom Aspinall. Nevertheless, Jones has verbally committed to facing Pereira, the reigning 205-pound champion, on the South Lawn of the White House. Both fighters have sounded uncertain recently, questioning whether White will officially approve the matchup.
Dana White Weighs In on Potential Jones-Pereira Clash
In a recent interview with Complex, White addressed the potential light heavyweight battle. He acknowledged that a fight at 205 pounds between Jones and Pereira would be significant, but expressed reservations about Jones’ reliability leading up to such a high-profile event.
Can’t have Jon Jones doing something bad or pulling out of the f****** White House fight.
?Dana White, UFC President
Significance of the UFC White House Event and Its Anticipated Fight Card
The UFC White House event, set for June 14, stands as a monumental occasion celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Plans include holding the press conference and official weigh-ins at the Lincoln Memorial steps, adding to the event’s prestige. President Donald Trump has suggested that the card could feature as many as eight or nine championship bouts, underscoring the scope of the event.
Fans have shown intense interest in the event lineup, which White is expected to finalize and announce next month. Speaking to Stephen A. Smith, White revealed his schedule leading up to the event, stating:
So I have Zuffa Boxing on the 23rd of this month, the 24th is UFC, and as soon as those two fights are over, I start working on the White House fight.
?Dana White, UFC President
Potential Impact and Next Steps for the UFC’s Historic Card
Should Dana White grant his approval, the Jones versus Pereira fight could become one of the most memorable matchups in UFC history, elevating the significance of the White House event even further. While doubts linger around the fighters’ commitments and White’s trust in Jones, the anticipation continues to build around how the UFC will shape this landmark celebration.
As June approaches, the MMA world will closely watch for the official fight announcements and any confirmations related to Jones’s participation. This event offers a unique opportunity to combine sport with historic symbolism, potentially creating an unforgettable moment in UFC’s legacy.
