Ilia Topuria says a planned champion-vs.-champion clash with Islam Makhachev for UFC Freedom 250 fell apart, and he will instead headline the card against Justin Gaethje.
Topuria stated that the promotion had plans to book him against Makhachev on June 14 at The White House, but an injury to the lightweight champion prevented the bout. The undefeated Topuria is now scheduled to face interim lightweight titleholder Gaethje in a title-unification main event at UFC Freedom 250.
Topuria also reflected on the idea of matching two champions who recently moved up a division. "I think if I were a promoter, if I prioritized the business, I don't know if it's a good idea to put the two of us against each other at our peak. I've just moved up a division, and he has too. We both have our fan base, so killing Islam in this case, you're killing a Middle Eastern star. Then what's left? It's a bit complicated."
Makhachev, however, publicly disputed Topuria’s version of events. "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. Ilia, stop talking. Every interview you give tells a different story. You pulled out, and you know it."
Topuria holds a 17-0 record in MMA (9-0 UFC), while Makhachev is 28-1 (17-1 UFC) and Gaethje is 27-5 (10-5 UFC).
