Donald Trump has seemingly 'banned' one nation from fighting at the UFC White House card.
The promotion's first show of 2026 is just days away as Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett meet for the interim UFC lightweight title at UFC 324 on Saturday.
Once UFC 324 is in the books, the famed Octagon sets up shop in Sydney, Australia, for UFC 325 - headlined by Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes.
Dana White will then plan for the White House card, having previously revealed matchmaking for the prestigious bill will take place in February.
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Several UFC fighters have called for a spot on the momentous event, including Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, who responded to a challenge.
The White House card is expected to feature a number of UFC title fights, but some of the company's champions may be ruled out.
According to ex-UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, who is angling for a rematch against Petr Yan, Russian fighters won't be competing at the White House.
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It appears US president Trump has imposed a ban on Russian fighters given the tension between the two countries.
Speaking to MMA Pros Pick, Dvalishvili revealed: "The UFC told me I’m next for the belt. They said there will be a trilogy between me and Yan.
"They also told me that our fight will not happen at the White House in June because (Yan) is Russian, and that’s impossible."
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If there is a ban on Russian fighters for the White House card, then the aforementioned Yan won't be able to compete in Washington.
Yan beat Dvalishvili at last month's UFC 323 to capture the UFC bantamweight title.
A rematch has been mooted but it won't happen at the White House.
The ruling would also rule out Islam Makhachev, who dominated Jack Della Maddalena to win the UFC welterweight title in November.
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Given Trump's passion for the UFC and his close relationship with White, he appears to have a big say on who competes at the White House.
No fights have yet to be announced for the June event.
Topics: UFC, Dana White, Donald Trump
Nasir Jabbar