Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev has a different version than Ilia Topuria regarding the reason why a fight between the two was not announced for the UFC White House card, scheduled for June 14. After being announced for the main event against Justin Gaethje, the Spaniard took to social media and accused the Russian of turning down the fight—a narrative that the Dagestani indicates is not true.
In a post on X, Makhachev responded to Topuria’s accusations and claimed that he (Topuria) rejected the fight. Islam also criticized the accusations made by ‘El Matador’ on social media and stated that, when the fight finally happens, he will be willing to face him without demanding extra financial compensation, mockingly referencing his rival’s manager.
We both know who chickened out here 😉 you can cover up your cowardice with nasty tweets, but don’t worry. One day you’ll get what you asked for! And your fat manager doesn’t have to ask for millions of dollars to fight me—we’ll do it for free.
Since the UFC, Topuria, and Makhachev failed to reach an agreement to finalize the fight, the organization decided to move forward and matched the Spanish-based Georgian against the interim lightweight champion; the bout against Justin Gaethje could define the future of the belt following the fight.
Aware that the American is managed by Ali Abdelaziz—the same person responsible for Islam Makhachev’s career—’El Matador’ claimed that his rival will end up paying for the Russian’s alleged ‘escape’ (or ducking).
