UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev may well be poised to take part in the eagerly-anticipated card at the White House, according to his coach.
The event, which will be held on the iconic property’s south lawn, has been put together to celebrate both the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, as well as the 80th birthday of President Donald Trump.
Speaking about the event late last year, Trump declared:
“They’re gonna have eight or nine championship fights, the biggest fights they’ve ever had. Every one’s a championship fight, and everyone’s a legendary type of fighter.”
Are Russian Fighters Banned From UFC White House Card?
Despite the president being keen to load the card with champions, it had previously been assumed that reigning middleweight champion Chimaev was effectively banned from the card by virtue of his ties to Russia.
That assumption came after Merab Dvalishvili confirmed that his trilogy-making fight with UFC Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan would have to wait until after the White House card.
Merab let slip that there was a supposed ban on Russian competitors taking part on the fight card, with a June rematch with his opponent was a non-starter, despite the UFC’s real hunger to see a third fight take place, admitting that it would be “impossible” to feature. Any such ban would also impact the ability of welterweight champion Islam Makhachev to compete on the card.
But while The Machine will have to bide his time as he seeks to reclaim the title he lost at UFC 323, there may yet be hope for Chimaev, per recent comments from his coach, Alan Mascimento.
“We’re just waiting to see what the UFC is going to decide,” he told MMA Today. “We have heard a lot of speculation that no Russians would be allowed to fight (at the White House).
However, Mascimento insists that his fighter won’t be affected by the ban, in any case.
Why Khamzat Chimaev May Escape UFC White House Card Ban
With the company reportedly planning as many as seven title fights, according to UFC commentator Jon Anik, any champion being ruled out (as Yan and Makhachev seemingly are) would be a major blow.
“Either way, he’s not a Russian anymore… That’s what people forget,” his coach revealed. “Always (he has been) representing Sweden. Now he (is) representing the UAE.”
Chechen-born Chimaev moved to Sweden when he was 18, before gaining UAE citizenship in 2025 after leaving the European nation in 2023. He defeated Dricus Du Plessis last August at UFC 319 in Chicago by unanimous decision but is yet to defend that title.
“He has a UAE passport. He’s a UAE resident. He has a house here. He has everything here. Speaks English. So I think in his case it can be easier to fight in the White House. But the people who have the power and deal with the politics, I leave that to them,” added Mascimento.
Khamzat Chimaev vs Sean Strickland at UFC White House?
The main event for the UFC White House Card has already been leaked, but a showdown between Chimaev and top middleweight contender Sean Strickland would be a massive fight. Khamzat took to social media after the American’s victory over Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston on Saturday night to send him a stern message:
“I destroyed the guy who beat you twice (Du Plessis). American b****!”
A Chimaev vs Strickland fight will do major business when it happens. It remains to be seen if that will be at the White House.
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