Ilia Topuria isn’t cutting Islam Makhachev any slack for missing out on a potential fight.
The UFC lightweight champion is currently booked for the main event of UFC White House on June 14, when he fights interim title holder Justin Gaethje. While Gaethje was expected to meet Topuria in a title unification bout, it’s no secret that Topuria has also long been angling for a superfight with Makhachev, the former lightweight champion who vacated his title to move up to welterweight and win a second belt.
On Tuesday, Topuria took to social media to slam Makhachev for failing to meet him at the White House.
“Once again, Islam comes up with an excuse,” Topuria wrote. “This time it’s an injury.”
Topuria went on to claim Makhachev was discussed as a possibility for his White House title event, but found out around the same time the public did that he would be fighting Gaethje instead.
“I always knew I would be part of the White House event,” Topuria wrote. “Even when the UFC told me at point that they wouldn’t count one 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.”
Makhachev currently holds the 170-pound title after taking it from Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 this past November and awaits his first defense booking. Topuria has said on multiple occasions his goal is to chase a third title (Topuria also previously held the featherweight belt before vacating and moving to lightweight), but for now he is ready to make an example out of Gaethje.
“Once again, someone else who will pay for Islam’s escape,” Topuria said. “Both of their manager is a bitch and also ugly as hell.
“Justin, see you at the White House. I’m not someone who humiliates people. It will be quick. When you wake up, everything will already be over.
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