Outside Source
A fight between Makhachev (28-1) and Topuria (17-0) is arguably the most anticipated booking by MMA fans right now. With the buildup going on for over a year, the fight was reportedly being targeted to be the main event for the UFC White House card in June. However, Topuria is now scheduled to defend his lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje at the White House.
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Topuria has since claimed that he originally accepted an offer to fight Makhachev at the White House. However, Topuria was allegedly informed that he would fight Gaethje a day before the card was officially announced by the UFC. Topuria recently reiterated his comments at a press conference in Spain.
Makhachev has now responded to Topuria, accusing the undefeated Georgian-Spaniard of turning down a fight offer. Makhachev claims he accepted an offer to fight Topuria at the White House. However, Topuria allegedly backed out after the UFC refused to meet his demand of an unrealistic purse. Makhachev further noted that Topuria’s manager Malki Kawa has also admitted that the UFC didn’t meet their financial demand.
‘Stop Talking’
“I’m tired of hearing made-up stories from Topuria and his team,” Makhachev wrote on X. “I got the call and accepted the fight at the White House. The next day, I was told he asked for an unrealistic purse. The UFC declined, and he pulled out. That’s it nothing more to it. Even his manager confirmed it. Ilia, stop talking. Every interview you give tells a different story. You pulled out, and you know it.”
I’m tired of hearing made-up stories from Topuria and his team.
I got the call and accepted the fight at the White House. The next day, I was told he asked for an unrealistic purse. The UFC declined, and he pulled out. That’s it nothing more to it.
Even his manager confirmed it.…— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) April 7, 2026
While Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz is accused of running his fighters’ social media, the welterweight champ claims to currently be handling his own account.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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