Dana White Denies Planned Makhachev vs. Topuria Bout at UFC White House Event
UFC CEO Dana White has refuted reports suggesting a last-minute change to the UFC White House card involved a planned bout between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. The event, scheduled for June 14, will now feature a lightweight title unification fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.
Rumors of a Super-Fight
Following the announcement of the UFC White House card at UFC 326, rumors circulated that Topuria was originally slated to face welterweight champion Islam Makhachev in the main event. These reports gained traction after Justin Gaethje indicated he was only informed of his fight against Topuria late in the process.
White’s Denial
Speaking at the Zuffa Boxing 4 press conference, Dana White firmly denied the claims. “That’s not true,” White stated. “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.” Source: Yahoo Sports
Gaethje’s Late Inclusion and Topuria’s Initial Absence
White further explained that Justin Gaethje was a late addition to the card, brought in after circumstances led to the original plan falling through. He also clarified that Topuria wasn’t initially scheduled for the event either. “The reason that fight fell out… it was at Power Slap that the fight fell apart that night and then all the boys went back to the office and literally were there until 9am. And that’s how Gaethje ended up on the card. And Topuria wasn’t originally supposed to be on the card either, so he got the call too.” Source: Yahoo Sports
Makhachev’s Injury
Dana White also revealed that Islam Makhachev is currently dealing with a hand injury, leaving his future fight schedule uncertain. “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.” Source: LowKickMMA
Upcoming UFC Announcements
White indicated that announcements regarding the next four UFC events are expected to be made in the coming week.