Overview
- Dana White, speaking on Adin Ross’s stream Wednesday, said it was “not true” that Ilia Topuria priced out a White House fight with Islam Makhachev.
- White added that Makhachev is dealing with a hand injury and is not expected to return until August, which takes him out of the June event.
- With Makhachev unavailable, the UFC booked Topuria to face interim champion Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn on June 14.
- Topuria’s manager, Malki Kawa, said the UFC’s first offer was too low for either Makhachev or Gaethje, and by the time talks heated up again Makhachev could not compete.
- Makhachev has claimed Topuria sought an unrealistic purse, while welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry questioned the injury timeline and pushed for an August title shot.