""The only thing the UFC told me is that I'm next for the belt," Dvalishvili told Bet25. "They said there will be a trilogy between me and Yan, and they also told me that our fight will not happen at the White House on Trump's birthday in June. Because [Yan] is Russian and that's impossible.""
"🚨 Merab Dvalishvili revealed that the UFC told him a trilogy fight between him and Petr Yan will not happen at the White House because Petr Yan is from Russia. 🇷🇺❌ "UFC told me our fight will not happen at the White House on Trump's birthday in June, because he is Russian, and... pic.twitter.com/UV3XJVPQ0M - MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) January 18, 2026"
Petr Yan defeated Merab Dvalishvili in a rematch at UFC 323, avenging a previous 2023 loss. UFC informed Dvalishvili that he is next for the bantamweight title and that a trilogy with Yan is planned. UFC also told Dvalishvili that the trilogy fight will not be booked at the White House card on Trump's birthday in June because Petr Yan is Russian. Color commentator Jon Anik speculated the White House card could feature four to five title fights. Excluding Russian fighters could also affect champions Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev and raises concerns about American representation among champions.
Read at Sherdog
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