The “fun fight” between Alex Pereira and Jon Jones has long intrigued fans. However, earlier this summer, the matchup seemed outdated, with UFC CEO Dana White expressing skepticism and highlighting the size difference between the fighters, noting that Jones is “bigger” than ‘Poatan’. Yet by autumn, the idea of a “super heavyweight” clash resurfaced, with the UFC currently planning a show at the White House on June 14 next year. White now faces a new headache as the UFC navigates the growing buzz around Pereira’s next move.

 Alex Pereira stole the spotlight earlier this month at UFC 320 by reclaiming his light heavyweight title. In a stunning display, the Brazilian dispatched Magomed Ankalaev in just 80 seconds of the opening round. Following the victory, the Brazilian hinted at a potential move to the heavyweight division, stating, “It would be at the White House against Jon Jones.” The comment immediately ignited debate, though Dana White once again downplayed the idea. While some critics have suggested the promotion instead match Jon ‘Bones’ against Tom Aspinall at heavyweight, the unfolding situation has brought the UFC’s long-term plans back into the spotlight.

Bruce Buffer shares thoughts on Alex Pereira vs Jones UFC White House fight

Bruce Buffer, the veteran UFC announcer, has seen it all inside the octagon. While speaking with TJ De Santis on his YouTube channel on October 14th, Buffer weighed in on the potential Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira heavyweight bout. The 68-year-old was clear: “We’d all love to see Jon fight Pereira, but I really feel that Jon should fight Aspinall. I mean, he’s a heavyweight. Jon’s not going to go back down to light heavyweight at all.” The Jones vs. Pereira matchup only entered the conversation after UFC 320, when Buffer noted that a heavyweight clash could cement both fighters’ legacies.

Still, Buffer believes that Alex Pereira should stay at 205 pounds and defend his title in his second run in the division. “But I really think he should stay and dominate the light heavyweight division. Yeah. And there are contenders there,” Bruce Buffer explained. Earlier this year, former heavyweight champion Jon Jones retired from the UFC after delaying his title unification bout with then-interim champion Tom Aspinall for nearly two years, effectively stalling the division.

Despite the UFC CEO’s assurances that the Aspinall vs. Jones fight was “100%” on track, Dana White was aware that Jon Jones had already made up his mind back in November. “If the bosses don’t want the Alex Pereira fight to happen, then I’ll just move on with my life,” Jones told reporters at a media day event on Wednesday. “You can either lose me, or get one more super fight … and that’s with Alex Pereira.”

True to his word, Jon  Jones retired from the sport without defending his belt against Aspinall, paving the way for Aspinall to be promoted to champion. On July 3, following Donald Trump’s announcement of the UFC White House event, ‘Bones’ seized the opportunity, positioning himself as a prime candidate to headline. However, in Dana White’s eyes, Jones had lost credibility, causing the UFC CEO to hesitate before committing to placing the former champ on the card.

Dana White breaks down the choice of Conor McGregor over Jon Jones for White House event

“It feels nice to be the hunter and not the hunted for once,” Jon Jones posted in a cryptic message, signaling that his comeback was aimed at a showdown with Tom Aspinall back in July at the UFC White House card. Yet, ‘Bones’ is not the only star eyeing the UFC White House card. Conor McGregor, the organization’s biggest draw, is also preparing to end his four-year hiatus. Out of action since 2021, McGregor is among the fighters most eager to feature on the high-profile event.

The White House card, however, is still in its early stages, with plans not set to begin until February 2026. Dana White already has key fighters in mind for the event, focused on building a reliable lineup for the ‘one-and-done’ spectacle. Despite Jon Jones issuing his apologies, White remains reluctant to count on the heavyweight legend.

Speaking with Zach Gelb on Sirius XM, the UFC president explained, “[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 per cent is going to be solid and be there’. Say what you want about Conor McGregor because people like to talk s— about that too, but he is that guy. He’s always been that guy, I’ve been in the room and on the phone with him…. When the s— hits the fan who’s really willing to go out there? Conor McGregor has always been that guy.”

But how much weight does White’s claim carry? Considering that over the past year, McGregor’s actions jeopardized and delayed Michael Chandler’s career for nearly two years, can he truly be counted on as a reliable headliner for a prestigious card like UFC White House? Share your thoughts in the comments.