Jon Jones Handed Alex Pereira Lifeline in Surprising White House Push by UFC Rival

UFC CEO Dana White has made it clear he has no interest in granting Jon Jones’ wish to fight Alex Pereira. After Jones successfully defended the heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, White told reporters there’s “no f–king way I make” Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira, citing the size difference and noting the champ is simply “too big” at this stage of his career. Though despite his retirement, many see the money fight as Jones against the current heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall, ‘Bones’ has shown no interest.

Now, with the White House set to host a UFC event on the South Lawn in July 2026, Jones is once again trying to insert himself into the conversation. And while Dana White isn’t on board for now, Chael Sonnen has stepped in to back the idea to allow the former heavyweight champion back in.

Jon Jones could be headed for his most intriguing fight yet

Yesterday, on his Beyond the Fight show, Chael Sonnen shared his thoughts on Jon Jones, Alex Pereira, and Tom Aspinall. “Alex at heavyweight is fascinating. Jon Jones at heavyweight isn’t. Jon Jones’ biggest threat, just skill for skill and move for move, is Curtis Blaydes. And you guys are not dying to see that fight,” Sonnen said, laying out his perspective on the division.

He continued by pointing out that Jones’ dominance has made his fights less suspenseful. “Jon Jones is most fun, the fight where we could have the most fun because we already know the outcome. That’s not his fault. He just got so good. We already know the outcome. So, how are we going to have a good time? Well, the one where we would have the most fun press conference and the face-off, and what difference does it make anyway, is Derrick Lewis.”

Sonnen, who took a loss against Jon Jones in 2013, acknowledged Lewis, ranked No. 8 and riding a two-fight win streak after his victory over Tallison Teixeira, but admitted, “I don’t think I can sell you on the idea that Jon’s going to be competing with Derrick Lewis or that Jon is going to be competing with Curtis Blaydes. I don’t think I can do that.”

Looking at the bigger picture, the UFC veteran argued that if neither Lewis nor Blaydes are in play for a fight against Jones, the only real fight left for the former champion is Tom Aspinall. “So, if we are already admitting that the top two are not going to be there, it would seem that there is one fight for Jon and that’s Tom.” But the 48-year-old added, “That landscape changes in the blink of an eye, if Alex Pereira becomes a heavyweight.”

As for Alex Pereira, the former light heavyweight champion has already made his stance clear. Earlier this year, he told reporters he would love to fight Jon Jones but acknowledged the decision rests with UFC CEO Dana White. “There is an interest. There is a potential. Even Jon Jones expressed himself. We wanted to do it. We want! Now, it’s up to the UFC to make it happen.” While Jones remains one of the sport’s biggest names, his past controversies, including legal troubles and failed drug tests, have complicated matters with White. Still, Chael Sonnen believes there may be a solution to finally bring that blockbuster to life.

Jon Jones faces a test to convince Dana White

In his recent video, Chael Sonnen made it clear he isn’t against Jon Jones wanting to continue competing, but he questioned Jon Jones’ approach. Sonnen said he wasn’t sure what Bones meant by being willing to “show and prove to Dana White that I want that opportunity.” According to Sonnen, the 28-1 fighter needs to demonstrate commitment before the White House event ever becomes a reality.

Sonnen suggested Jones could take a smaller fight to prove his reliability. He gave an example where Jones tells Dana White he would fight Derrick Lewis without asking for pay-per-view points, accept a three-round bout instead of five, and even step down from a main event slot. For Sonnen, that type of humility would show Jones is serious.

Meanwhile, Jones has been trying to make his case publicly. At the MTV Video Music Awards, he told USA TODAY Sports that his goal was to prove to Dana White how committed he is to fighting on the White House card. This came as a surprise to many fans, since Jones had announced his retirement in June. But at the event, he clarified, “I am not retired.”

Jon Jones further explained that he has been training five days a week and has re-entered the drug-testing pool. Anyway, with MMA once banned in 36 states now set to take center stage in Washington, the attention will be on whether Jon Jones can back up his words with action. That said, do you think Jon Jones will be able to fight Alex Pereira this year? And if they fight, who do you think will win?