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Khamzat Chimaev Can Avoid Donald Trump ‘Ban’ and Fight at UFC White House

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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.

Islam Makhachev

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

Khamzat Chimaev

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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Liverpool Eyeing Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga Amid Mourinho Exit Plans

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Liverpool are showing an interest in signing a Real Madrid star who Jose Mourinho is willing to offload this summer.

The Reds have confirmed just one new addition in the summer transfer window so far, bringing in Victor Munoz to improve their winger options.

Liverpool will likely be in the market for further additions, considering they only just scraped Champions League football last season.

The board will have to back new manager Andoni Iraola if they want him to be able to fully implement his style of play next campaign.

The Merseyside club have been linked to a host of new additions this summer, but it’s unclear what their priority position to strengthen is going to be.

Liverpool are likely to sign another winger with Mohamed Salah departing, but they could also need reinforcements in other areas.

Liverpool eyeing Real Madrid star

Andoni Iraola via Reuters

According to a report from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool are one of the sides showing an interest in signing Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that Mourinho is willing to sanction a departure for the French international as he is not a key part of their plans.

As it stands, Camavinga is uninterested in leaving Real Madrid this summer, but it’ll be interesting to see if that changes if he’s limited to a bench role with the Spanish giants.

Camavinga, who has been described as one of the best in the world, is too good to be sitting on the bench, even if it is for a club the size of Real Madrid.

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Camavinga walks into Liverpool’s midfield

Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga

There is no doubt that if Liverpool can secure the signature of Camavinga in the summer transfer window, he would walk into their midfield.

The French midfielder is one of the best in the world, and after some of the displays by Liverpool’s current midfielders last season, he will undoubtedly become a guaranteed starter.

Convincing Camavinga to leave Real Madrid seems to be the biggest issue, as the La Liga club are willing to offload him.

The Reds will be able to offer Champions League football to Camavinga, but we are yet to see whether Iraola can get a tune out of this Liverpool squad.

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Man Utd Eye PSG Winger Ibrahim Mbaye in Summer Transfer

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Although the major focus for Manchester United in the summer transfer window is to bring in midfield reinforcements, they could look to strengthen in other areas of the pitch.

The Red Devils are yet to complete any new additions since the market opened, despite pushing to sign several different midfielders.

If United want to give a good account of themselves in the Champions League next season, as well as cope with pushing in the Premier League, there is no doubt they need reinforcements all over the pitch.

Although it was a phenomenal achievement for my character to guide United into the Champions League places last season, they didn’t have the distraction of European football like other clubs.

That’s all going to change this campaign, meaning they’ll need a deeper squad to deal with the schedule.

Man Utd preparing offer for winger

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks on after Premier League win against Nottingham Forest

According to reports, Manchester United are exploring a move to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that United are preparing a bid to sign the Senegalese international, while PSG are hoping to receive around £30 million.

United face competition for his signature as clubs look to take advantage of his lack of regular starts at PSG.

Mbaye, described as ‘one of the best young players in the world’, has struggled to cement himself as a guarantee in Luis Enrique’s side, which is no surprise given the amount of talent they have in their squad.

Mbaye’s representatives are looking to convince him to remain in Paris, but there’s a strong chance he ends up in the Premier League.

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Mbaye could be ideal winger signing

Ibrahim Mbaye

United currently have plenty of options on the wings, including Bryan Mbuemo, Matheus Cunha and Amad Diallo.

Despite that, all three have been deployed in various different positions during their time at United. It’s certainly not set in stone that Mbaye wouldn’t break into the starting eleven.

The young winger has plenty of potential and perhaps a higher ceiling than the aforementioned United trio.

Mbaye is also capable of making an immediate impact at senior level, as we’ve seen during his time at PSG and Senegal.

If United could secure his signature this summer, it would be a smart signing for the future and the present.

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Arsenal Star Saliba Targeted by UCL Giants: £128m Price Tag Set

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After a strong 2025/2026 season, some of Arsenal’s key stars are attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs around the world.

Attracting players away from the Gunners is never going to be easy, however, as there’s no doubt Arsenal are one of the best clubs to play for in the world at the moment.

The north London club came close to lifting the Champions League trophy, while also, of course, winning the Premier League last season.

Arsenal will likely want to bring in reinforcements over the coming weeks and months, so as a result, players will have to leave the club.

Leandro Trossard appears to be one player who is being sacrificed, with a deal agreed for him to join Turkish side Besiktas.

Three clubs eyeing Arsenal man

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta puts his arms out in defence

According to a report from Caught Offside, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are all showing an interest in signing Arsenal star William Saliba in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners would only be willing to consider entering talks for the French international if an offer arrives at the table in the region of £128m.

In a roundabout way, Arsenal are telling the interested parties that he’s not for sale, as it’s hard to imagine a club being willing to pay that much for Saliba.

Although the French defender is undoubtedly one of the best in the world in his position, it’s a lot of money for a club to pay for a centre-back.

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Arsenal shouldn’t sell Saliba at any price

William Saliba at the 2026 World Cup REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Although £128m is almost telling clubs that Saliba isn’t for sale, Arsenal shouldn’t be considering offloading him for any price in the summer transfer window.

The ‘world-class‘ defender has been imperative to Arsenal’s success over the last few years, so it makes little sense to offload him this summer.

Arsenal would struggle to replace Saliba with a defender capable of replicating what he’s produced for the Gunners, even with a £128m budget.

Mikel Arteta’s side need to be doing everything they can to keep Saliba at the Emirates Stadium, and hopefully for their sake, he isn’t tempted by a move to PSG, Barcelona, or Real Madrid.

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