Two-division UFC titleholder and current UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev claims that a super fight against lightweight champion Ilia Topuria did not get booked for the UFC Freedom 250 fight card at the White House because Topuria ‘pulled out’ of the fight negotiations.
In a recent interview, Topuria accused Makhachev of refusing to fight him at the White House event. Makhachev responded to Topuria’s allegations in a social media post on Monday saying it was Topuria that prevented the matchup from happening.
“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,” Makhachev wrote on X. “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
Topuria headlines the UFC Freedom 250 event on June 14 against interim champion Justin Gaethje in a title unification bout. UFC CEO Dana White recently revealed that Makhachev is dealing with a hand injury. Makhachev is eyeing a July return to the octagon.
