Jon Jones shares downbeat update on possible White House bout against Alex Pereira

Jon Jones’ hopes of returning to fight Alex Pereira at the UFC White House event appear to be slipping away. After Donald Trump announced that the promotion would host an event at the White House, ‘Bones’ was quick to share his intention to make his comeback on that stage.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Jon Jones’ hopes of returning to fight Alex Pereira at the UFC White House event appear to be slipping away.

After Donald Trump announced that the promotion would host an event at the White House, ‘Bones’ was quick to share his intention to make his comeback on that stage.

The possibility seemed even more real when light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira called him out following his rematch win over Magomed Ankalaev.

Despite that, UFC President Dana White has been clear that he isn’t looking for Jon Jones to return from retirement.

Jon Jones casts doubt on Pereira matchup

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

While Dana White has poured cold water on the fight, Pereira hasn’t let it go, recently reigniting talk of the potential bout by scrawling Jones’ name on a tyre at the shop where he used to work.

But even after issuing a warning to Pereira and appearing determined to come back, Jones now sounds less certain that he’ll make another walk to the octagon. And he doesn’t seem too bothered about it.

“I don’t know what’s gonna happen. I’m working out and eating healthy, I’m living the lifestyle, I’m walking the walk the way I’ve done it my whole life and I don’t really know what’s gonna happen,” Jones told The Schmo.

“Regardless, I take it one day at a time. Some things are just out of my control but I feel good, I feel blessed. Whether I fight again or not, I feel wonderful and so grateful for this life God granted me with.”

If fighting is off the table for now, Jones still has plenty going on in combat sports between his Dirty Boxing promotion and coaching Gable Steveson.

The 25-year-old’s debut might even come sooner rather than later. Steveson hasn’t put pen to paper yet, but White has admitted he’s keeping an eye on him.

Could Jones still find his way back to the UFC?

Right now, it looks more and more likely that Jones won’t be part of the White House event. His ongoing issues with Dana White may even keep him out of the UFC for good.

Still, ‘Bones’ remains a massive figure in combat sports, so a comeback can never be completely ruled out.

Category: General Sports