Under their new partnership with Paramount-CBS, the UFC is set to host its historic White House event. The card is touted to be a one-of-a-kind, and fans expect the promotion’s biggest stars, Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev, to feature prominently on the card. However, despite the promise, it appears that the dream may be further from reality after a former UFC champ revealed a massive detail about the event.

According to former bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, the UFC brass have already locked him in for a long-awaited trilogy with Petr Yan. Unfortunately, that fight will not land on the White House card. Revealing a fresh development, ‘The Machine’ claimed the promotion is now hesitant about Russian fighters starring at the June 14 event, which is being framed around the theme of American Independence Day.

Merab Dvalishvili opens up about UFC rule affecting Russian fighters at White House card

“The only thing the UFC told me is that I’m next for the belt,” The Machine said during an interview with MMA Pro’s Pick. “They said there will be a trilogy between me and Yan, and they also told me our fight won’t happen at the White House event on Trump’s birthday in June. Because he’s Russian, that’s impossible.” 

Now, even after the Georgian ex-champ revealed this crucial detail, the UFC has yet to address anything officially. Still, with Russian fighters’ involvement in the event now under question, it is worth noting that Dana White previously showed openness to featuring the company’s global champions on the marquee card.

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While discussing the White House card, the UFC CEO admitted it will not be an “America vs everyone” type of event. Instead, White sounded optimistic about the Dagestani juggernaut being part of the projected card. Looking back at Makhachev’s dominant performance at UFC 322,  the head honcho said, “We are talking GOAT talk, depending on what he does in his next couple of fights. So it’s a possibility.”

Despite Dana White’s earlier openness, ‘The Machine’s revelation has now made Islam Makhachev’s presence at what could be the biggest UFC event ever feel highly doubtful. On the other hand, Khamzat Chimaev’s chances look a little stronger. The middleweight champion is now a UAE citizen and even fought in Chicago in his last outing. Still, ‘Borz’, having faced visa issues in the past, keeps a layer of uncertainty in the conversation.

With two of the sport’s biggest superstars likely unable to participate at the marquee event, the card appears gloomier than earlier envisioned. Not to mention, this isn’t the only blow to come to the card. Just a few days ago, another superfight for the White House had already collapsed.

Dana White shuts down Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler plans

Ahead of the White House event, Conor McGregor’s comeback fight against Michael Chandler has easily been the most talked-about and hyped matchup on the rumored card. After five years away, the sport’s biggest star is eyeing a return to the Octagon, and fans have been desperate to see ‘The Notorious’ finally settle unfinished business with ‘Iron’. However, that showdown now looks unlikely. Dana White has already shut it down, brushing it off as nothing more than a clash of the past.

“No,” the UFC CEO said during an interview with Complex when asked about the possibility of the fight. “That was a couple of years ago. No. We’ll see if Conor is gonna come back or not. We’ve been talking about it for a while … we’ll see how it plays out.”

With the UFC boss seemingly cooling off on McGregor vs Chandler, fans are now left wondering what is next for ‘The Notorious’ and his long-awaited comeback. To make things more interesting, Jorge Masvidal recently teased that something might be brewing behind the scenes, hinting at a possible fight with the former two-division champion.

As the White House event gets closer, it still has not received an official announcement from the promotion. It is projected to take place on June 14, but a lot could change before then. That said, what do you think the final card for the POTUS’ birthday would look like? Comment down below.