Dana White Responds to Rumors of Canceled Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria Fight on June 14
A few hours earlier, Marca’s Irati Prat claimed that the UFC was planning a super-fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria scheduled for June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House. As per Prat, it was a done deal until this past Friday, when the promotion was informed that Makhachev would not be fighting at the White House.
The lineup for UFC Freedom 250 has already been revealed. “El Matador” and Justin Gaethje are set to headline the card in a lightweight title unification bout. The P4P king is not a part of this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Dana White Responds to Claims Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria Was Planned for White House Event
During the Zuffa Boxing 04 post-fight presser, Dana White stated that Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria was never planned for the White House event.
White also revealed that Makhachev is currently dealing with a hand injury, and they are not sure when he will return to make the first defense of his 170-pound championship.
White also added that Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria were informed in the final moments before the UFC Freedom 250 bout list announcement that they would be fighting at the White House.
“That’s not true. It was never Islam vs. Topuria. Don’t worry about what fights are being made, we announce which ones are made and which ones will be happening… He [Islam Makhachev] has some hand issues. I don’t know how serious the hand issues are and how long that will keep him out. But he is injured.”
White did not reveal the fight that was cancelled on Friday, and was originally supposed to be a part of the June 14 lineup.
Check out Dana White’s comments below:
Justin Gaethje has also said in an interview with the UFC that he was told this past Thursday that he would not be fighting at the White House. However, a day later, he was informed that he might be a part of the event.
Check out Justin Gaethje’s comments below:
