Topuria reveals Makhachev bout was hours from White House announcement before injury

Ilia Topuria disclosed that he was just hours away from an official announcement of his fight against Islam Makhachev at the White House event. Topuria stated he went to sleep knowing he would face Makhachev, but was woken up by numerous phone calls informing him that Islam had suffered an injury and he would instead fight Justin Gaethje. Despite the last-minute change, Topuria says he is not disappointed and believes the Makhachev fight should happen eventually. The champion was prepared mentally for the Makhachev matchup before the sudden switch.