In the latest on the UFC White House event, heavyweight champion Jon Jones has confirmed negotiations to compete on the June 2026 card, amid ongoing superfight speculation with Alex Pereira. The proud American is eager to represent his country at the historic event celebrating the nation's 250th birthday.
Jon Jones addressed his future at a meet-and-greet at The Brook Casino in New Hampshire on March 1, 2026, confirming discussions with the UFC for the White House event proposed by President Donald Trump last summer. Despite the $60 million cost and lack of profit, UFC CEO Dana White has greenlit the spectacle on the White House grounds.
“I’m in negotiations with the UFC about this White House [fight] as well,” Jones said. “I’m a very proud American, and I cannot wait to represent one more time.”
Jones won the heavyweight title by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in 2023 and defended it against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 on November 16, 2024. He retired in June 2025 amid stalled talks with interim champion Tom Aspinall, only to un-retire for this opportunity. White has touted Jones vs. Aspinall as a 'dream main event' but remains wary due to Jones' history.
Building on recent reports of Jones vs. Pereira talks following Pereira's light heavyweight title vacation, MMA journalist Ariel Helwani noted internal UFC discussions for the superfight on this card. Jones praised the idea in November 2024:
“It would be a blockbuster event. He’s incredibly respectful, he’s a household name … no one loses in that fight.”
No fights are official, but White has teased upcoming announcements for the landmark event.
