UFC is considering Alex Pereira versus Jon Jones as the main event for the UFC White House card. Ariel Helwani reports talks of the bout, potentially for a heavyweight title, though momentum is low. The event marks the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding.
The UFC White House event, set for June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn in Washington, D.C., commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding. According to Ariel Helwani, discussions have occurred about featuring Alex Pereira against Jon Jones in the main event, possibly for a vacant or interim heavyweight championship.
Pereira recently vacated his light heavyweight title after knocking out Magomed Ankalaev in just over a minute at UFC 320. This move allows him to pursue heavyweight gold, where a win would make him the first UFC fighter to claim titles in three divisions. Helwani noted, "Alex Pereira is no longer the light heavyweight champion, and I can tell you right here and now that there have been some talks of him fighting Jon Jones. And there have been talks of him fighting Jon Jones on the White House card."
However, Helwani added that the fight is not guaranteed, stating, "Jon Jones on the White House card is not dead, but I could tell you I don't feel as of right now a ton of positive momentum in that direction." If Pereira vs. Jones does not materialize, talks point to Pereira facing Ciryl Gane for an interim heavyweight title. The outcome depends on champion Tom Aspinall, who has been sidelined by eye issues since a no-contest with Gane at UFC 321 in October.
Jon Jones has expressed interest in competing at the event before U.S. President Donald Trump, having ended a brief retirement for the opportunity. UFC CEO Dana White has shown apprehension about Jones' involvement and previously preferred Pereira remain at light heavyweight, though his position has softened.
Meanwhile, the vacated light heavyweight title will be contested by Carlos Ulberg and Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327 on April 11 in Miami. Prochazka reacted enthusiastically on Instagram, saying, "Here we are. The moment I’ve been praying for... Let’s go hunt Ulberg."
Other fighters eye spots on the card. Colby Covington called for a bout with Paddy Pimblett, framing it as "a U.K. vs. an American guy" for the anniversary. Conor McGregor is unlikely to appear, with Helwani suggesting a greater chance at International Fight Week on July 11 in Las Vegas. Dana White plans to announce the card soon.