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 final word prize: a heavyweight superfight towards longtime GOAT contender Jon Jones on the promotion’s unprecedented White Home occasion subsequent 12 months.
Pereira, the Brazilian knockout artist often called “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 need Jon Jones,” Pereira acknowledged bluntly in Portuguese throughout 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 few dream matchup that might redefine UFC historical past.
The proposed bout would pit Pereira, a former Glory Kickboxing champion making waves in MMA along with his devastating left hook, towards Jones, the enigmatic heavyweight titleholder whose legacy consists of an unprecedented run as mild heavyweight champ marred by controversies. At 38, Jones has lengthy teased retirement, however latest 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. gained’t be easy. White, recognized for his razor-sharp matchmaking instincts, appeared hesitant in his rapid 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 acquired his personal path, and we’ve acquired 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 solely impromptu. In a pre-fight huddle with White forward of UFC 320, the champion reportedly floated the concept of concentrating on Jones instantly after victory—however held again out of respect following the tragic dying 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 a substitute, Pereira channeled that fireplace 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 unimaginable” can 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 movie star consideration, with rumors swirling of high-profile visitors 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 “Ebook it!” to analysts debating the stylistic nightmare Jones may face towards Pereira’s energy. “Alex vs. Jon on the White Home? That is the combat 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 drive the problem? One factor’s sure: if this superfight materializes underneath the shadow of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, it might be the knockout blow that echoes via MMA eternity.
