Topuria says Makhachev fight was hours from announcement before injury

Ilia Topuria revealed that his anticipated fight against Islam Makhachev at the White House event was just hours away from being officially announced before it fell through. Topuria stated he went to bed knowing he would fight Makhachev and that the bout would be announced. However, he was awakened by numerous phone calls informing him that Islam had suffered an injury and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Despite the last-minute change, Topuria says he is not disappointed the Makhachev fight did not materialize. He maintains the fight should happen eventually.