Jason Burgos
After months of pushing for a fight at the UFC’s historic card at the White House in June, Jon Jones is close to getting his wish.
When the UFC was unlikely to meet his demand for a fight with Alex Pereira, MMA icon Jon Jones officially walked away from the sport in June. However, when President Donald Trump revealed plans for an event on the lawn of the White House a few months later, “Bones” immediately let it be known he wanted in on the event.
However, his longtime boss, Dana White, has been hesitant to book him for such an important card due to his history of missing events. But it seems things have changed. After Ariel Helwani reported on Saturday that the UFC was in discussions about a fight between Jones and Pereira for the White House card, the former two-division champion confirmed that talks are ongoing.
If he is booked for the event, there is still an outside chance that it isn’t against Pereira. With that in mind, let’s look at all the logical options for a Jon Jones fight on the UFC White House card.
Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira
This is the fight that is likely to happen. Jones wants it, and Pereira wants it. Furthermore, the Brazilian vacated the light heavyweight title with plans in mind for a big fight at heavyweight next. However, “Poatan” is intrigued by the idea of competing for the heavyweight title and making history as the first man to win titles in three UFC weight classes.
While it is the odds-on favorite, fights are never a sure thing until contracts are signed.
Jon Jones vs. Alexander Volkov
Jones may want to be on this card no matter the opponent, so he can end his career in the most important event in fight sports history, and in front of his favorite president. While the division is weak at the moment, there are still some intriguing opponent options.
One strong option would be top contender Alexander Volkov. The 37-year-old is a worthy foe, offers length that Jones has never faced, and a battle of USA vs. Russia is a very easy sell for the White House card.
Jon Jones vs. Sergei Pavlovich
If the UFC wants to aim for the USA vs. Russia theme, another intriguing option would be former title challenger Sergei Pavlovich. The 33-year-old is an absolute bomber with strong grappling skills. While “Bones” would be a sizable favorite, Pavlovich would be a very dangerous opponent for the MMA legend.
Jon Jones vs. Derrick Lewis
Another intriguing option if we don’t get Jones vs. Pereira would be a battle against one of the company’s most popular heavyweights, Derrick Lewis. Although it may not be as competitive a fight as some would want for the future Hall of Famer, Jones vs. Lewis is a very easy sell for casual fans and could help get a huge ratings number for the historic event.
