Topuria reveals Makhachev fight was set for White House, canceled hours before

Ilia Topuria disclosed that his fight against Islam Makhachev at the White House event was nearly finalized and just hours away from being officially announced. According to Topuria, he went to sleep knowing he would be fighting Makhachev, but was woken by numerous phone calls informing him that Islam had suffered an injury and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria stated he is not disappointed by the cancellation and expressed that the fight should happen sooner or later. The bout was reportedly mere hours from being included in the full White House card announcement when the injury occurred.