Topuria reveals he was scheduled to fight Makhachev before last-minute injury withdrawal

Ilia Topuria has disclosed new details about the circumstances surrounding his scrapped fight with Islam Makhachev at the White House event. Topuria stated that just hours before the official announcement, he was confirmed to fight Makhachev and expected the bout to be revealed publicly. However, he received a phone call informing him that Islam had suffered an injury and that he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria went to sleep believing he would fight Makhachev, only to be woken by numerous calls about the change. Despite the cancellation, Topuria says he is not disappointed and believes the fight should eventually take place.