Topuria reveals he was set to fight Makhachev hours before White House event injury

Ilia Topuria disclosed that he was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event and was expecting an official announcement just hours before the card reveal. According to Topuria, he went to sleep knowing the fight was happening, but was woken up by numerous calls informing him that Makhachev had suffered an injury and he would instead face Gaethje. Despite the last-minute change, Topuria stated he is not disappointed and believes the fight with Makhachev should happen eventually. The fight was apparently very close to being officially announced before the injury derailed the plans.