Ilia
Topuria is gearing up for his fight at the White House. |
Getty/UFC
According to Ilia
Topuria, there is some truth to the rumor that he was initially
supposed to face Islam
Makhachev at the
UFC White House card.
Since that champion vs. champion bout didn’t come to fruition,
Topuria will instead face Justin
Gaethje in the UFC White House main event on June 14. “El
Matador” gave his account of how the booking unfolded in a social
media post on Tuesday.
“Once again Islam comes up with an excuse. This time it’s an
injury,” Topuria wrote on X. “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.
‘It Will Be Quick’
“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.”
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…— Ilia
Topuria (@Topuriailia)
March 10, 2026
Topuria will return to action for the first time since last June,
when he knocked out Charles
Oliveira to claim the vacant lightweight crown. The
Georgian-Spaniard took a hiatus during the first of the year to
deal with personal issues. In the meantime, Gaethje claimed the
interim belt with a five-round verdict over Paddy
Pimblett at UFC 324
on Jan. 24.
Makhachev last appeared at UFC 322,
where he took a lopsided unanimous decision over Jack
Della Maddalena to capture welterweight gold.