Jones Vs. Pereira Moves A Step Closer

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jan 16, 2026 1:58 AM ET

The prospect of a Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira fight has moved a step closer following Dana White’s latest comments.

The two fighters have expressed their wish to face each other at the UFC White House card in June. However, White has largely been against Jones appearing on the card. This was following his conduct during a potential fight with Tom Aspinall. White remained confident that fans would see that fight, only for Jones to vacate and retire last June. That did not sit well with White, who then said the chances of Jones fighting at the White House were a ‘billion to one.’

This was despite Jones reversing his retirement, given that White views Jones as unreliable. Pereira was vocal about facing Jones for the chance to become the first ever three-weight world champion. However, that is also unlikely given White’s terms. Dana said that a Jones vs. Pereira fight can happen at light heavyweight.

This means Jones would have to endure a grueling weight cut back to the division, the first time since 2020. White’s insistence on this weight class is a logistical safeguard; he views Jones as the greatest light heavyweight ever and Pereira as the division’s current king. By moving the fight to 205 lbs, White ensures that the heavyweight division (currently led by Tom Aspinall) isn’t held up.

“At 205? That would be a fight, but can I count on Jon Jones? I can’t have Jon Jones doing something bad or pulling out of the f—– White House fight,” White said

Should It Happen?

The most significant argument against this decision is the physical toll on Jones. Jones has spent the last five years transforming his body into a heavyweight frame, reaching nearly 250 lbs for his fight against Ciryl Gane. Forcing a 38-year-old to shed nearly 45 lbs to return to a weight class he hasn’t seen since 2020 is a bad move. If Jones arrives at the White House card looking “flat” or drained, the “greatest of all time” could be embarrassed.

By insisting on light heavyweight, White is testing Jones’ commitment. If Jones cannot make the weight, White has a reason to pull the plug early or replace him with a natural 205-pounder. When UFC 303 nearly collapsed due to McGregor’s injury, Pereira stepped in on short notice to save the card. By keeping the fight at 205 lbs, White knows Pereira is in his “comfort zone” and is highly likely to make it to the cage.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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