Islam Makhachev has directly challenged Ilia Topuria’s narrative regarding their purportedly canceled fight. Topuria, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, had previously claimed in an interview that a bout between him and Makhachev was finalized for the June 14 White House card.
Topuria asserted that Makhachev, the Russian fighter, withdrew at the last minute due to an injury, leading to the UFC scheduling a lightweight title unification match between Topuria and Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria stated: “It was very, very close. In fact, hours before the entire White House card was announced, I was going to fight Islam, and the fight was going to be announced. Hours before the announcement, I got a call where they told me Islam was out with an injury, and I was fighting Justin Gaethje. So really, the fight was very close to happening.”
Topuria also expressed his views on Makhachev’s team, describing them as “weird people.”
However, Islam Makhachev strongly refuted these assertions, accusing Ilia Topuria of fabricating details about their proposed superfight. Makhachev confirmed his readiness to compete on June 14. He clarified that the fight was canceled because Topuria demanded an “unrealistic purse,” which led the UFC to drop the bout.
Makhachev shared his frustration on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “I’m tired of hearing made-up stories from Topuria and his team. I got the call and accepted the fight at the White House. The next day, I was told he asked for an unrealistic purse. The UFC declined, and he pulled out. That’s it nothing more to it. Even his manager confirmed it. Ilia, stop talking. Every interview you give tells a different story. You pulled out, and you know it.” He emphasized that Topuria was the one who ultimately withdrew, contradicting the various accounts given by “El Matador” and his team.
