Matt Brown labels Jon Jones as the ultimate challenge for Alex Pereira at UFC White House event
Alex Pereira’s Triumph: Aiming for Jon Jones Showdown in 2026
After a decisive knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, Alex Pereira has reestablished his position at the pinnacle of the light heavyweight division. With this impressive win, Pereira is now setting his sights on a potential clash against Jon Jones at the eagerly anticipated UFC White House card scheduled for 2026.
The Underdog Status of Pereira Against Jones
Despite the excitement surrounding this potential matchup, Pereira is likely to enter the octagon as a significant underdog against Jones, who is widely regarded as the greatest fighter of all time. UFC veteran Matt Brown shared his insights on the scenario during a recent episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer.
“I want the competitive fight,” Brown stated, expressing a desire for an engaging bout. While both fighters would draw massive attention and interest, especially with a spirited buildup, Brown questions Pereira’s chances against Jones directly. He elaborated on Pereira’s tough path, suggesting it could be a “nightmare matchup” for the Brazilian.
Pereira may not match up well against Jones, who not only holds the advantage in size but also excels in wrestling and overall fighting prowess.
The Rising Star: Tom Aspinall
In contrast to Pereira, Tom Aspinall has emerged as a formidable force in the heavyweight division, boasting an impressive record with eight victories in the UFC, all won by knockout or submission. His next challenge will come against Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC 321, where Aspinall is favored to retain his title.
Brown argues that Aspinall is a legitimate threat to dethrone Jones and hand the former champion his first significant defeat. While acknowledging the unpredictability of fights, he points out that Pereira’s chances against Jones appear slim.
“Given the circumstances, the odds would favor Jon significantly,” Brown noted. “Wherever they might stand, Jon remains the expected victor by a considerable margin.”
The Dilemma: Entertainment vs. Sport
Despite the apparent mismatch, Brown acknowledges the entertainment value of a Jones vs. Pereira matchup, particularly for fans. However, he raises the critical question of the UFC’s intentions for the White House card: Will they prioritize sheer entertainment or seek to deliver meaningful, championship-level fights?
“If the goal is to create the most significant matchups, Pereira vs. Jones is an obvious choice,” Brown said. “Conversely, if the UFC is focused on relevant fights, Aspinall could provide a seamless transition.”
Assessing the Future Landscape of the Heavyweight Division
Long-term, Brown believes that the UFC may face less risk by pairing Jones with Aspinall due to the current turbulence within the heavyweight division. With limited top contenders, a loss for Aspinall might not drastically alter the landscape of heavyweight competition, while a victory would invigorate the division.
“If I’m the UFC, I’d choose to take the risk with Tom,” Brown expressed. “Aspinall has the potential to reignite interest in heavyweight bouts, especially if he secures a victory.”
The Wild Card: Jones’ Preference
Adding another layer to the scenario, Brown pointed out Jones’ previous disinterest in facing Aspinall while he held the heavyweight title. However, circumstances could change as the UFC empowers Jones to select his preferred opponent for the White House card.
“Jon could very well demand Pereira as his opponent,” Brown suggested. “He might insist, saying if it’s not Alex, then he won’t fight at the White House. Jon is notorious for making such demands.”
With anticipation building around UFC fights, fans can catch new episodes of The Fighter vs. The Writer every Tuesday. The podcast is available on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.
