Ilia Topuria accuses Islam Makhachev of ducking | MMA News
Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria headlines the UFC event at the White House on June 14 against interim titleholder Justin Gaethje, but he wished to take on welterweight champion Islam Makhachev instead.
When Topuria relinquished his featherweight title to transfer up to the light-weight division, he was not only chasing two-division UFC champion standing, he was chasing a battle against Makhachev. During the same timeframe, Makhachev vacated his light-weight title and moved up to the welterweight division searching for two-division UFC champion accolades.
Topuria believes Makhachev has been avoiding a battle between the 2 and accused the top pound-for-pound fighter of ducking the matchup for the UFC White House event.
“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. 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,” continued Topuria. “Both of their manager (Ali Abdelaziz) is a b*tch and also ugly as hell.
“Justin, see you at the White House. I’m not somebody who humiliates people. It will likely be fast. When you wake up, all the things 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
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