Ilia Topuria claims Islam Makhachev used injury 'excuse' to avoid White House fight
· Yahoo Sports
Ilia Topuria is gearing up for his fight at the White House. | Getty/UFC
According to Ilia Topuria, there is some truth to the rumor that he was initially supposed to face Islam Makhachev at the UFC White House card.
Since that champion vs. champion bout didn’t come to fruition, Topuria will instead face Justin Gaethje in the UFC White House main event on June 14. “El Matador” gave his account of how the booking unfolded in a social media post on Tuesday.
“Once again Islam comes up with an excuse. This time it’s an injury,” Topuria wrote on X. “I always knew I would be part of the White House event. Even when the UFC told me at one point that they wouldn’t count on me for the event, I knew it was part of the negotiation. When they finally told me I would be on the White House card, they mentioned Islam and I didn’t hesitate for a second to accept the fight. Even though the fight hadn’t been officially confirmed yet, the White House card was going to be announced the next day.
‘It Will Be Quick’
“And when I woke, I found out that Islam had gotten injured. And then Justin Gaethje appeared. Once again, someone else who will pay for Islam’s escape. Both of their manager is a bitch and also ugly as hell. Justin, see you at the White House. I’m not someone who humiliates people. It will be quick. When you wake up, everything will already be over.”
Once again Islam comes up with an excuse. This time it’s an injury.
I always knew I would be part of the White House event. Even when the UFC told me at one point that they wouldn’t count on me for the event, I knew it was part of the negotiation.
When they finally told me I…— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) March 10, 2026
Topuria will return to action for the first time since last June, when he knocked out Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant lightweight crown. The Georgian-Spaniard took a hiatus during the first of the year to deal with personal issues. In the meantime, Gaethje claimed the interim belt with a five-round verdict over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 on Jan. 24.
Makhachev last appeared at UFC 322, where he took a lopsided unanimous decision over Jack Della Maddalena to capture welterweight gold.
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