Topuria reveals Makhachev fight was nearly announced before injury pulled bout

Ilia Topuria disclosed that he was just hours away from an official announcement for a fight against Islam Makhachev at the White House event before the bout fell through. Topuria stated he went to bed believing he would fight Makhachev, only to be woken by numerous calls informing him that Islam had sustained an injury and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. He emphasized that he knew the Makhachev fight was confirmed and about to be announced to the full card. Despite the cancellation, Topuria expressed no disappointment and remains confident the fight will happen eventually.