Islam Makhachev claims Ilia Topuria is to blame for White House fight falling through

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There were discussions about Islam Makhachev potentially fighting Ilia Topuria at the White House in June.

Makhachev has also been kept out of action due to an injury. Topuria cited this as the main reason why one of the most highly anticipated matchups possible fell through. However, things took a turn after Dana White spoke to Pat McAfee.

White’s comments about the welterweight champion added fuel to the narrative that Makhachev wouldn’t be able to fight for some time. But then, everything changed again after Islam shared new training footage where he appeared healthy, leading fans and media alike to start questioning what exactly was going on.

Islam Makhachev claims Ilia Topuria wanted an ‘unrealistic purse’ to fight him at the White House

Ilia Topuria told Irati Prat on April 6 that he believed he was set to face Islam Makhachev at the White House, only to wake up to calls saying otherwise just before the announcement.

Makhachev has previously blamed Topuria for the fight falling through, suggesting it was the lightweight champion’s financial demands that caused it.

The Russian reiterated this point in response to ‘El Matador’s’ recent comments about why fans are still waiting for this matchup.

“I’m tired of hearing made-up stories from Topuria and his team,” he posted on X. “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’s manager, Malki Kawa, had previously said that talks with the UFC ended because their offer for a spot on the White House card wasn’t enough money.

Following Makhachev’s recent post, one fan commented by accusing his manager Ali Abdelaziz of posting from his account instead of him.

The welterweight champion replied through X by simply saying: “Today not him”.