UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has issued a direct accusation against Islam Makhachev, stating that the Dagestani fighter is deliberately avoiding a potential bout at a major upcoming UFC event, citing injury as the latest reason.
Although Topuria is currently preparing to defend his UFC lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, persistent rumors had previously circulated about a more significant match-up. It was suggested that “El Matador” might move to another weight category to challenge Makhachev in a long-awaited fight.
The highly anticipated confrontation between the two fighters has seemingly been postponed: Makhachev, reportedly, will not be able to perform at the event, referred to by Topuria as “UFC White House,” due to an injury. In connection with this, Topuria has now fully shifted his attention to his scheduled title defense against Justin Gaethje. Topuria is aiming for his fourth consecutive dominant knockout, following his impressive victories over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira.
In a recent frank tweet, Ilia Topuria publicly shared his strong feelings regarding both Makhachev and Gaethje with the mixed martial arts community.
Ilia Topuria goes after Islam Makhachev
“Islam once again finds an excuse. This time it’s an injury,” Topuria wrote. “I always knew I would be part of the White House event (UFC White House). Even when UFC at one point told me they weren’t counting on me for this tournament, I knew it was part of the negotiations. When they finally told me I would be on the ‘UFC White House’ card, they mentioned Islam, and I didn’t hesitate for a second to accept the fight. Although the bout hadn’t been officially confirmed yet, the ‘UFC White House’ card was supposed to be announced the next day. And when I woke up, I found out that Islam had gotten injured.”
Topuria then addressed the subsequent change of opponent: “And then Justin Gaethje appeared. Once again, someone else will pay for Islam’s escape. Their manager is a bitch and also damn ugly. Justin, see you at ‘UFC White House’. I am not one of those who humiliates people. It will be quick. When you wake up, everything will already be over.”