In a bombshell post-fight declaration that has the MMA world buzzing, newly recrowned UFC mild heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has set his sights on the last word prize: a heavyweight superfight in opposition to longtime GOAT contender Jon Jones on the promotion’s unprecedented White Home occasion subsequent yr.
Pereira, the Brazilian knockout artist often known as “Poatan,” wasted no time in laying out his ambitions throughout a heated trade with UFC CEO Dana White following his dominant third-round TKO victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 on Saturday evening. The win marked Pereira’s second stint as 205-pound kingpin, avenging a previous loss and solidifying his standing as one of many division’s most feared strikers.
“I would like Jon Jones,” Pereira acknowledged bluntly in Portuguese through the post-fight presser, his eyes locked on White as the gang erupted.
“On the White Home. Make it occur.” The callout, delivered with the arrogance of a person who’s already conquered two weight lessons, instantly ignited hypothesis a couple of dream matchup that would redefine UFC historical past.
The proposed bout would pit Pereira, a former Glory Kickboxing champion making waves in MMA together with his devastating left hook, in opposition to Jones, the enigmatic heavyweight titleholder whose legacy contains an unprecedented run as mild heavyweight champ marred by controversies. At 38, Jones has lengthy teased retirement, however current teases of massive fights have saved the door ajar. Pereira, 38, and driving a wave of momentum, sees the conflict as his path to changing into the primary three-division UFC champion.
Nonetheless, the highway to D.C. received’t be easy. White, identified for his razor-sharp matchmaking instincts, appeared hesitant in his quick response, citing Pereira’s must solidify his mild heavyweight reign first.
“Alex is the person proper now, little question,” White mentioned in his post-event interview. “However Jon’s bought his personal path, and we’ve bought a large card brewing for June on the White Home. Let’s not rush the superfights.”
Sources near the group point out White is prioritizing interim heavyweight bouts, doubtlessly involving Tom Aspinall or Ciryl Gane, earlier than greenlighting a Pereira-Jones showdown.
Pereira’s daring transfer wasn’t fully impromptu. In a pre-fight huddle with White forward of UFC 320, the champion reportedly floated the thought of concentrating on Jones instantly after victory—however held again out of respect following the tragic demise of Jones’ brother, Arthur, earlier this week.
“Had circumstances been totally different, Alex had plans to name out Jon proper there,” one insider revealed. As an alternative, Pereira channeled that fireside into the cage, dropping Ankalaev with a signature left hand earlier than ground-and-pound completed the job.
The UFC White Home occasion, teased by White as a “huge and unbelievable” will probably be part of the promotion’s new Paramount+ partnership in 2026, and guarantees to be a landmark affair. Billed because the first-ever fight sports activities card on federal grounds, it may draw unprecedented political and superstar consideration, with rumors swirling of high-profile company from Washington. For Pereira, it’s the right stage to cement his legacy; for Jones, an opportunity at redemption within the highlight.
Social media exploded with reactions, from followers chanting “E-book it!” to analysts debating the stylistic nightmare Jones may face in opposition to Pereira’s energy. “Alex vs. Jon on the White Home? That is the battle we’ve waited a decade for,” tweeted MMA analyst Luke Thomas, capturing the electrical sentiment.
Because the mud settles from UFC 320, all eyes flip to the heavyweight division’s chessboard. Will White bend to Pereira’s will, or will the champ want one other assertion win to pressure the problem? One factor’s sure: if this superfight materializes beneath the shadow of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, it might be the knockout blow that echoes via MMA eternity.
