Jon Jones frustrated: "Dana White is blocking my dream fight"

He wanted to shine on the biggest stage. But it now looks like Jon Jones is missing out on a dream matchup. The UFC legend hoped to face Alex Pereira in June at the historic White House event, but Dana White appears ready to put a stop to it.

Jon Jones wants to fight at a historic UFC event

Jon Jones stopped fighting last summer, or at least that is what it seemed. When he heard about the planned UFC gala at the White House, he immediately expressed interest in returning. In his mind it was simple: Jones versus Alex Pereira, the other two-division champion. A fight many fans want to see.

Pereira was interested as well. The Brazilian repeatedly said he would prefer to fight Jones. However, he recently indicated he has little hope of securing a spot on that card.

Dana White does not trust Jones

Jones himself now sounds pessimistic. In an interview with Red Corner MMA he said: “Pereira wants to fight, but I don’t think Dana White is going to allow it.” The UFC boss has been cautious with Jones for years. From doping suspensions to arrests, the champion has caused White problems more than once.

For an event of this scale, Dana White does not want to take risks. A late cancellation would be a major blow. As a result, it seems increasingly likely that Jones will not appear on the poster.

Pereira has other options, Jones questions his future

If the fight does not happen, Pereira will have to look ahead. He can defend his light heavyweight title against Carlos Ulberg, or even move up to heavyweight. In that division, champion Tom Aspinall is waiting. Khamzat Chimaev is another interesting name. According to Jones, Chimaev can compete in any weight class: “He would do well even against Pereira or Ankalaev.”

For Jones, the situation is more complicated. If he does not get a spot on the White House card, it is an open question whether he will ever return. His body and reputation have taken a lot. And without an opponent, there is little motivation.