Islam Makhachev claims ‘UFC turned down’ Ilia Topuria White House fight over money

Islam Makhachev has spoken out about why he isn’t headlining the biggest UFC card of the year against Ilia Topuria.

The two world champions were locked in talks for a super-fight to headline UFC White House that has been years in the making, but a deal couldn’t get done. Instead, Topuria is going to face Justin Gaethje in the main event on June 14, while Makhachev is expected to face Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.

Over the last few weeks, the welterweight champion has posted on social media to offer his side of the story. But there are often question marks around posts from his account, and this is the first time he has spoken to the press about what happened.

Islam Makhachev speaks out about Ilia Topuria fight

It has never seemed likely that Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria will actually meet in the octagon, particularly given their ever-changing weight classes. The Georgian last year moved up from featherweight to pursue lightweight gold, which the Russian then vacated to go after 170lb honors.

However, they were reportedly locked in talks for a showdown on the South Lawn this summer. This is despite neither man being American, the co-main event also featuring no Americans and Justin Gaethje being owed a shot at Topuria’s belt by virtue of being interim champion.