Businessman claims proposal to confront Topuria was never even presented to Makhachev: 'He was sleeping'

Islam Makhachev was champion in two categories. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Amid the controversies linked to the alleged confrontation between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria , Ali Abdelaziz came forward this Wednesday (25) to defend the Russian and give his version of the story during an interview with the North American portal 'TMZ'. Surprisingly, the businessman categorically stated that the Ultimate dismissed the confrontation even before the welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg) got out of bed.

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According to Abdelaziz, the entire negotiation was concluded quickly, while Makhachev slept. According to the account, although the proposal to confront Topuria had been discussed, it was never formally made to the Dagestan Clan.

“I received a call about Ilia fighting Islam. It was midday, Islam was sleeping, and I was excited about the fight. After that, they called me back saying to forget it, that the fight wasn't going to happen, even before I spoke to Islam,” he stated.

Ali Abdelaziz says the Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria was discussed but shut down before it even reached Islam 🤯

“I was called about Ilia to fight Islam. It was the middle of the day, Islam was sleeping, and I was excited about the fight. After that, I got called back saying… pic.twitter.com/FWHZkVicOK

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 25, 2026

Recently, Ilia Topuria's manager revealed that the fight with Makhachev was initially offered, but talks subsequently fell through because the amount of payment proposed by the UFC was deemed unfair given the nature of the fight.

Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria are UFC rivals

Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev are big names in the UFC. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage.

Despite never having faced each other or even competing in the same weight classes simultaneously, Makhachev and Topuria have engaged in several exchanges of provocations in recent years. Ranked first and second in the pound-for-pound rankings respectively, the Georgian/Spanish fighter has expressed interest in facing the Russian through various statements in the media and on social networks. Although not as vocal as his rival, Islam has also not opposed the duel.

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