Ilia Topuria Accuses Islam Makhachev of Evading White House Bout

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is slated to headline the organization's event at the White House on June 14, where he will face interim titleholder Justin Gaethje. However, Topuria's initial preference was to compete against welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.

After moving up from the featherweight division to lightweight, Topuria's ambition extended beyond merely achieving two-division UFC champion status; he was actively seeking a confrontation with Makhachev. Coincidentally, during this same period, Makhachev relinquished his lightweight title and transitioned to the welterweight division, also with aspirations of becoming a two-division champion.

Topuria firmly believes that Makhachev has been systematically avoiding a fight between them, and he openly accused the highly-ranked pound-for-pound fighter of sidestepping their potential matchup for the UFC White House event.

"Islam once again presents an excuse. This time, it’s an injury," Topuria posted on X. "I always knew I would be a part of the White House event. Even when the UFC initially told me they wouldn't consider me for this tournament, I understood it was part of the negotiation. When they finally informed me I'd be on the 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 White House card was scheduled to be announced the next day. And when I woke up, I learned Islam had sustained an injury. Then Justin Gaethje appeared. Once again, someone else will pay for Islam's escape," Topuria continued, adding a strong personal attack: "Their common manager (Ali Abdelaziz) is a b*tch and also ugly as hell."

Addressing his upcoming opponent, Topuria stated, "Justin, see you at the White House. I'm not one to humiliate people. It will be quick. When you wake up, everything will already be over."