Topuria reveals White House fight with Makhachev was hours from announcement

Ilia Topuria disclosed he was just hours away from an official announcement for a fight against Islam Makhachev at the White House event before being told Makhachev had sustained an injury. Topuria stated he went to bed knowing he would face Makhachev and was woken by numerous phone calls informing him the bout was off and he would instead fight Justin Gaethje. He claims he was aware of the Makhachev matchup and its planned announcement only a couple of hours before the full White House card reveal. Despite the last-minute change, Topuria says he is not disappointed and believes the fight with Makhachev should happen eventually.