The White House card was meant to feel untouchable. A once-in-a-lifetime UFC event wrapped in politics, spectacle, and legacy, with fans already discussing who deserved that stage more than who would actually headline it. Alex Pereira‘s name sat comfortably in the middle of the conversation like a done deal just waiting to be announced, until earlier today.

The Brazilian shared a photo of himself with Dana White on Instagram with the caption, “Looks like the White House is a NO GO!!!”

No context or clarification, just three exclamation points and an abrupt shift in momentum. For such a massive statement, the lack of explanation amplified the message. That left many fans confused.

So, if the White House event is out of question, what’s next for ‘Poatan’?

Pereira is now in a state of uncertainty. With the White House plan in jeopardy, the attention returns to familiar questions: defend the light heavyweight belt again, or pursue something greater while the timing is still favorable? ‘Poatan’ has never built his career around staying inactive. For him, it has always been about doing something that clearly sets him apart.

Heavyweight remains an obvious option with two promising opportunities: a legacy fight with Jon Jones or a bid for a third UFC title. The former is more attractive to Pereira.

For the time being, both Dana White and Alex Pereira are waiting to see which doors truly open, just like everyone else.

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If none do, the road narrows down to 205. A title defense becomes the likely next step, as critics argue he should stay put and clear out the division. Pereira has not drawn a hard line yet. What is evident is that the White House was expected to provide direction. Instead, it left him with no clear path forward.

And perhaps that’s why fans are disappointed, too.

UFC fans can’t believe Alex Pereira won’t fight at the White House!

Fans did not hesitate to vent their dissatisfaction. Many people instantly blamed UFC CEO Dana White. Why? Because they were convinced this was another case of a fighter wanting something big and being quietly stonewalled. After all, Donald Trump did promise fans a night with several champions squaring off.

“When Dana can’t negotiate a contract, he puts the blame on the fighter,” a user commented.

Others preempted the narrative entirely: “Incoming Dana White about to say, ‘Poatan just doesn’t want to fight. It’s as simple as that,’” followed by the now-familiar punchline, “KID DIDN’T WANNA FIGHT.”

That resentment quickly escalated into something more dramatic: fans threatening to skip the entire event. “No Poatan in the White House, no more UFC,” one comment read, while another stated, “IF POATAN AIN’T ON IT, WE AIN’T WATCHING.”

Some even went so far as to say they would not support the card unless ‘Poatan’ was made a part of it. To them, this was more than just one fight; Alex Pereira was the main event.

However, not everyone chose a side. A significant portion of the fan base seemed more confused than outraged. “If there’s anyone who deserves to fight in the White House, it’s Alex,” one fan claimed, while another voiced that it wouldn’t be a big event without Pereira.

As of now, no official confirmation or denial has been made. But Alex Pereira’s brief message accomplished what months of speculation couldn’t: it revealed how shaky the White House plan truly is. Whether it’s a timing issue, a trust issue, or something still going on behind closed doors, fans have already started to draw conclusions. And once that happens, the pressure does not fade away; it only grows.