Topuria reveals Makhachev fight was hours from announcement before injury

Ilia Topuria disclosed that he was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event and that the bout was just hours away from being officially announced. Topuria stated he went to bed expecting the fight announcement, but was awakened by numerous phone calls informing him that Makhachev had suffered an injury. He was then told he would face Max Holloway instead of Makhachev. Despite the change, Topuria expressed he is not disappointed and believes the Makhachev fight should happen eventually. The revelation provides insight into how close the highly anticipated matchup came to being finalized.