Overview
- Topuria, in interviews published Wednesday, said the UFC told him he would face Islam Makhachev if Justin Gaethje beat Paddy Pimblett.
- Islam Makhachev has said a White House bout with Topuria fell through over Topuria’s purse demands, while Dana White has said Makhachev was injured.
- Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje remains scheduled for June 14 on the White House South Lawn as the UFC Freedom 250 main event, streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
- Dana White told Fox News a temporary arena will seat about 4,300 people and he wants most tickets to go to military personnel.
- Topuria says he has a celebratory dinner planned for the night before the fight, underscoring his confidence as Gaethje enters as the interim titleholder from his UFC 324 win.