Ilia Topuria: 'Islam Comes Up With an Excuse'

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has reignited tensions with Islam Makhachev, accusing the former champion of avoiding a potential super fight scheduled for the historic White House event. Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) claims the UFC initially planned for him to face Makhachev on June 14 at UFC Freedom 250, but says the Dagestani star withdrew due to injury before the fight could be finalized. Instead, Topuria will headline the card in a lightweight title unification bout against interim champion Justin Gaethje.

In a fiery message posted on social media, Topuria alleged that Makhachev pulled out of the proposed matchup. “Once again Islam comes up with an excuse. This time it’s an injury.” Topuria said he had accepted the fight immediately when the UFC approached him about competing on the White House card.

According to the champion, the announcement of the fight was expected soon until news surfaced that Makhachev was injured. “When I woke, I found out that Islam had gotten injured. And then Justin Gaethje appeared.”

Topuria also took a shot at Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who also represents Makhachev. UFC CEO Dana White quickly pushed back on Topuria’s narrative. White said the matchup between Topuria and Makhachev was never actually scheduled for the White House event. However, White did confirm that Makhachev is currently dealing with a hand injury, though no timeline has been given for his return.