Ilia Topuria, the undefeated 29-year-old Spanish-Georgian current UFC featherweight champion, claims that Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight title holder, declined a fight with him at the White House a day before the card was scheduled to be announced.
Idman.Biz reports that the UFC tournament at the White House will take place on June 14.
"Islam is making excuses again. This time it's an injury. I always knew I would be part of the White House event. Even though UFC once said they didn't see me at this event, I knew it was part of the negotiations.
Finally, when they said I was going to be on the White House card, they mentioned Islam, and I didn't hesitate for a second to take the fight. Although the fight was not yet officially confirmed, the White House card was scheduled to be announced the next day. When I woke up, I learned that Islam was injured.
And then Justin Gaethje appeared. Someone else will answer for Islam's escape again. Their manager is a scumbag and very dirty at the same time. Justin, I'll see you at the White House. I'm not one to humiliate people. It will be quick. When you wake up, it will all be over," Topuria wrote on his X social media account.