Awkward moment! Makhachev responds to Topuria and reveals the reason the fight didn't happen.

Makhachev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Courtesy of Facebook/UFC

Islam makhachev e Ilia Topuria Tensions have once again arisen outside the octagon in recent days, amid speculation about a possible fight between the two in the UFC. The episode gained traction after public statements by the Ultimate's welterweight champion (up to 77 kg) on ​​social media, drawing fans' attention to the behind-the-scenes negotiations.

The fight, which had been considered one of the organization's biggest bouts, ended up not happening, generating different versions about the reason for the cancellation. In response, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, Makhachev decided to speak out and present his version of events, directly contesting the narrative adopted by Topuria and his team.

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“I’m tired of hearing stories made up by Topuria and his team. I received the call and accepted the fight at the White House. The next day, I was told he asked for an unrealistic purse. The UFC refused, and he quit. That’s it, there’s nothing more to it. Even his manager confirmed it. Ilia, stop talking. Every interview you give tells a different story. You quit, and you know it,” Makhachev stated.

I'm tired of hearing made-up stories from Topuria and his team.
I got the call and accepted the fight at the White House. The next day, I was told he asked for an unrealistic purse. The UFC declined, and he pulled out. That's it nothing more to it.
Even his manager confirmed it.…

- Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) April 7, 2026

Dana White denies fight between Makhachev and Topuria at UFC Casa Branca

During the transmission of UFC 326At the event held in March, the organization announced that Ilia Topuria will be the main attraction at the White House event, scheduled for June 14th, in a unification bout for the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) belts against Justin gaethjeOn the 8th of the same month, a Sunday, Dana White said that the confrontation between the company's champions was not planned for June 14th.

"That's not true. It was never Makhachev versus Topuria. Don't worry about the fights that are being made. We announced which fights were made and which ones will happen. I said there were some strange circumstances. Gaethje ended up on the card and Topuria wasn't originally scheduled to be on the card either."

"So, he also received the call. I don't know (when Makhachev will return). He's having some hand problems. I know that. I don't know the severity of the hand problems or how long he'll be out, but yes, he is injured," Dana White explained.