Topuria reveals White House fight with Makhachev was hours from announcement

Ilia Topuria disclosed how close he came to officially fighting Islam Makhachev at the White House event. Topuria stated that just hours before the full card announcement, he knew he would be fighting Makhachev and expected the bout to be announced. However, he received a phone call informing him that Islam had sustained an injury and he would instead face Max Holloway. Topuria went to sleep expecting the Makhachev fight and woke up to numerous calls about the change. Despite the bout falling through, Topuria expressed no disappointment and believes the fight will happen eventually.