One specific rule could block Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev from UFC White House

Jon Anik has said the White House event could feature as many as seven title fights, but a single rule looks like it has already taken three belts off the table.

Petr Yan, the fighter who surprisingly took the bantamweight title from Merab Dvalishvili in December, will face the former champion in a trilogy fight for Dvalishvili’s confirmed return to the Octagon.

Still, ‘The Machine’ mentioned that the UFC has already ruled out hosting that fight at the White House because of the champion’s nationality.

He said on MMA Pros Pick: “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.”

If this policy is indeed being enforced, it could spell trouble for Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev if they were eyeing spots on such a high-profile card. Both champions hail from Dagestan and Chechnya, two republics within Russia.

Comments from Dana White opposed to Merab Dvalishvili’s ban claim

Dana White has previously spoken out against the idea that the event would be limited to American fighters.

By dismissing the idea of prioritizing American fighters for the June 14th card, the UFC president effectively welcomed Makhachev and other non-American fighters to the White House event.

“It’s not America vs the world,” White told reporters at a press conference.

“It’s what’s the best card we can build?”

Even with those comments, there are still questions about whether Makhachev or Chimaev will feature in any capacity at all, despite both holding titles at 170 and 185 pounds.