Matt Brown: 'You’re Setting Yourself Up for Disappointment'

Could Jones vs. Pereira Save the Card?

Another rumored super fight involves Jon Jones potentially clashing with Alex Pereira arguably one of the biggest matchups the UFC could book right now. Brown acknowledges the spectacle but questions the competitiveness.

“Is Jones not going to take him down and finish him in a minute or two?” Brown asked. “Jon’s not going to mess around with him on the feet.”

Even if that fight headlines, Brown argues the depth required for a six- or seven-fight mega-card might not be there.

“I can’t think of six to seven fights that are that gigantic,” he said.

The American Star Problem

Hosting the event at the White House introduces another layer of complexity. Brown pointed to what he sees as a shortage of American mega-stars at the top of the roster a potential issue for a card carrying patriotic symbolism.

“It’s at the White House,” Brown said. “They have so few American stars. That’s a problem.”

He suggested the UFC may ultimately lean into its global appeal instead of trying to force an American-heavy lineup.

“The UFC is an international sport,” Brown said. “Maybe they just make the biggest fights that they can make.”

Topuria vs. Gaethje: The Likely Headliner?

If Justin Gaethje gets his wish, he’ll meet UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria in a title unification bout atop the card. On paper, it’s violent and compelling.

But betting odds released after Gaethje captured the interim lightweight title pegged Topuria as a 6-to-1 favorite a reflection of his dominance inside the octagon. Brown believes the stylistic intrigue may not deliver fireworks the way fans expect.

“I think Topuria’s levels above him,” Brown said. “He might just beat him up for five rounds. He might even play it safe.”

That presents a narrative challenge: if the American challenger loses decisively in the main event of a White House card, does the moment feel deflated?

Managing Expectations

The UFC’s White House event is unprecedented. The symbolism alone guarantees global attention. But as Brown sees it, star power, competitive balance, and historical stakes must match the setting.

“There’s some pretty good fights,” Brown admitted, noting potential options for champions like Islam Makhachev as well. “But there’s almost no way it lives up to the hype at least on paper.”

If Topuria vs. Gaethje headlines, Brown believes that’s likely the ceiling. The White House lawn may host one of the most unique events in combat sports history. Whether it becomes one of the greatest cards ever assembled? That remains far less certain.