Topuria says Makhachev fight was hours from announcement before injury

Ilia Topuria revealed he is not disappointed that his fight against Islam Makhachev at the White House event fell through. Topuria stated that just hours before the full card announcement at the White House, he knew he would be fighting Makhachev and expected the bout to be officially announced. However, he received a phone call informing him that Islam had suffered an injury and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria went to sleep expecting the Makhachev fight but was woken by numerous calls about the change. He maintains the fight should happen eventually.