Ilia Topuria claimed he was informed hours before the White House announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but was later told Makhachev was injured and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria questioned why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded that he's tired of Topuria's fabrications, stating he agreed to the White House fight but was told Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev insisted that Topuria rejected the fight and that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. The exchange highlights ongoing tension and conflicting accounts about who is avoiding whom. In other news mentioned, Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce picked Sean Strickland over Khamzat Chimaev, Dricus Du Plessis named his toughest opponents, and UFC 327's roster has earned a combined 92 bonuses.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
