Topuria Claims UFC Is Blocking Makhachev Fight

Ilia Topuria has shifted the blame for the collapse of his long-discussed super fight with Islam Makhachev away from either fighter and placed it squarely on the UFC itself.

The lightweight champion said he does not believe the matchup is falling apart because of anything on Makhachev's side.

"I don't think that it's because of him that the fight is not happening. I truly believe that the UFC doesn't want to make it happen,” Topuria

The Makhachev fight had been heavily linked to the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House on June 14 before falling through entirely. Instead, Topuria defends his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje in the main event, while Makhachev is expected to pursue a welterweight title defence later in the summer.

Topuria was careful to separate his frustration with the promotional situation from any personal feeling toward Makhachev. "I don't hate him. I don't have anything personal with him. He achieved great things in the sport. He's a double champion like me."

The acknowledgement of Makhachev's credentials is notable coming from a fighter who has rarely found much to compliment in his rivals, and it reinforces the point that Topuria's grievance is with the organisation rather than the opponent.

On the scale of what the fight could represent, Topuria was unambiguous. "If you do that crossover, me and Islam, it will be one of the biggest fights in UFC history without any doubt."

What is equally clear is that Topuria has decided his legacy does not depend on it happening. "For me personally, it wouldn't change anything if that fight doesn't happen. I will be happy and proud about myself anyways. I don't need Islam to feel realized or proud about myself."

It is the kind of statement that sounds like closure on a fight that may never get made.