Overview
- After reclaiming the light heavyweight title with an 80‑second TKO of Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, Alex Pereira called for a heavyweight superfight with Jon Jones at the June 14, 2026 White House event, and Jones publicly accepted on social media.
- UFC CEO Dana White has cast doubt on Jones competing at the White House showcase, saying he doesn’t see it happening, and no bout agreement or booking has been announced.
- Betting markets have already opened lines for the potential matchup, with most books listing Jones as a clear favorite over Pereira.
- New training clips of Pereira wrestling with Sean Strickland and working with Mark Zuckerberg sparked scrutiny of his grappling, as former foe Rampage Jackson predicted Jones would lean on wrestling if they meet.
- Outside the matchmaking buzz, Pereira posted 2022 direct messages to dispute Joaquin Buckley’s claim he declined a fight, while coach Glover Teixeira praised Khamzat Chimaev’s skills but criticized his hard‑sparring approach.