UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria has publicly accused Islam Makhachev of deliberately avoiding a potential showdown at the anticipated UFC White House event.
While Topuria is currently slated to defend the UFC Lightweight Championship against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, recent whispers suggested that the initial intention was for “El Matador” to ascend to the welterweight division to challenge Islam Makhachev.
Rumors of a clash between Topuria and Makhachev have circulated for an extended period, but it appears Makhachev’s alleged injury has sidelined him from the White House event. Consequently, Topuria has redirected his attention to Justin Gaethje, aiming for a fourth consecutive dominant knockout following his impressive victories over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira.
Topuria recently took to Twitter to express his strong opinions regarding both Makhachev and Gaethje.
“Once again Islam comes up with an excuse. This time it’s an injury.
I always knew I would be part of the White House event. Even when the UFC told me at one point that they wouldn’t count on me for the event, I knew it was part of the negotiation.
When they finally told me I would be on the White House card, they mentioned Islam and I didn’t hesitate for a second to accept the fight.
Even though the fight hadn’t been officially confirmed yet, the White House card was going to be announced the next day. And when I woke, I found out that Islam had gotten injured.
And then Justin Gaethje appeared.
Once again, someone else who will pay for Islam’s escape. Both of their manager is a bitch and also ugly as hell. Justin, see you at the White House. I’m not someone who humiliates people. It will be quick. When you wake up, everything will already be over.”
With a significant chip on his shoulder, Topuria appears poised to deliver a memorable performance, potentially the best of his career.