Outside Source
Interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is rallying for a title unifier against champion Ilia Topuria at the White House in June. Meanwhile, welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has also expressed interest in fighting at the White House in June. While a matchup between Makhachev and Topuria is highly anticipated by fans, the welterweight champion isn’t willing to move down to lightweight.
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Gaethje and Makhachev’s shared manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently provided some clarity regarding their upcoming fights. Abdelaziz guaranteed that Gaethje (27-5) will fight for the undisputed title next, against anyone, if Topuria (17-0) isn’t game. Meanwhile, Abdelaziz said that Makhachev will fight Topuria later if he wants, but will defend his title against a “real welterweight” next.
MMA reporter Álvaro Colmenero has since backed up Gaethje’s claims. Colmenero claims the UFC is working on Topuria vs. Gaethje at the White House in June. Meanwhile, Makhachev (28-1) will defend his title at a later date against a “real welterweight,” with Ian Garry (17-1) being the frontrunner.
“The plan that the UFC is trying to make involves: Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje as the main event at the White House,” Colmenero wrote on X. “Islam Makhachev defending against a ‘natural welterweight,’ as Ali says, with Ian Garry being the frontrunner for an event yet to be determined.” (translated by Google)
Adding Fuel to the Fire
Meanwhile, Garry recently shared a cryptic post, hinting at a matchup against Makhachev next. Garry defeated former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar last November to firmly establish himself as a contender. “The Future” subsequently said that he would seek help from Georgian wrestlers if he were to fight Makhachev. The Irishman recently shared a photo of a British Airways boarding pass for a ticket to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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