UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has accused Islam Makhachev of ducking a possible fight between them at UFC White House.
As we know, in the main event of UFC Freedom 250, Ilia Topuria will defend the UFC lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje. However, rumors have been circulating recently that suggest the original plan was for ‘El Matador’ to go up to the welterweight division in an attempt to dethrone Islam Makhachev.
The pair have been rumored to fight one another for a long time now, but apparently, an injury has prevented Makhachev from being able to compete at the White House. Ilia Topuria, of course, will now shift his focus back to Justin Gaethje, as he attempts to pull off a fourth straight iconic knockout after dismantling Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.
In a recent tweet, Ilia Topuria let his feelings be known to the mixed martial arts world about both Makhachev and Gaethje.
Ilia Topuria goes after Islam Makhachev
“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.”
Buckle up, folks, because Topuria has a big chip on his shoulder, and he could be setting himself up for the performance of a lifetime.