A heated conversation began online after comments from Ilia Topuria about fellow champion Islam Makhachev. The discussion appeared on social media when Topuria suggested that Makhachev avoided a fight that many fans expected to happen later this year.
Topuria posted his message on the platform X during Tuesday afternoon. In his post he claimed that Makhachev created an injury story to avoid facing him at UFC Freedom 250. The event is scheduled for June 14 and is planned for the White House in Washington, D.C.
Makhachev Responds to the Accusation
Makhachev did not wait long before answering the comments. He replied directly through X and rejected Topuria’s statement.
“We both know who chickened out here 😉 you can cover your cowardice with nasty tweets, but don’t worry, one day you will get what you asked for!,” Makhachev wrote on X. “And your fat ass manager don’t have to ask for billions to fight me, we’ll do it for free.”
The message added more tension to a rivalry that has been building for several years.
How the Fight Situation Changed
Topuria believes that Makhachev avoided their potential matchup. According to his claim, the injury explanation allowed the champion to step away from the proposed fight.
Because of this situation, Topuria is now scheduled to face Justin Gaethje instead. Their bout will serve as a title unification fight involving the lightweight division.
The matchup is expected to headline UFC Freedom 250.
Dana White Responds to the Rumor
Soon after the discussion began, Dana White addressed the speculation. The president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship explained that reports about a Topuria versus Makhachev fight for the White House card were incorrect.
White stated that the rumor was “not true” and also said the bout “was never Islam vs. Topuria” for the June event.
However, White did confirm that Makhachev currently has a hand injury. He did not provide a clear timeline for the fighter’s next appearance inside the cage.
The possibility of a fight between Topuria and Makhachev has been discussed for a long time.
Earlier in his career, Topuria spoke openly about his goal of moving up from featherweight to challenge Makhachev. At the time, Makhachev ruled the lightweight division.
Topuria first captured the championship at featherweight and later defended it successfully. After that achievement he vacated the belt and moved to the lightweight division.
He eventually fought Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title and won the contest, becoming champion at 155 pounds.
We both know who chickened out here 😉 you can cover your cowardice with nasty tweets, but don’t worry, one day you will get what you asked for! and your fat ass manager don’t have to ask for billions to fight me, we’ll do it for free. https://t.co/PTCJxG0gTv
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) March 10, 2026
Makhachev’s Move to Welterweight
While Topuria moved upward in weight, Makhachev made a similar decision. After his dominant run as lightweight champion, he decided to pursue another title in a higher division.
In November he faced Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight championship. Makhachev won the fight and became the UFC title holder at 170 pounds.
Because both athletes have achieved success in different divisions, fans have continued to speculate about a future meeting between them.
At the moment, Topuria’s focus remains on his upcoming fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.
Makhachev’s return date is still unknown as he recovers from the reported hand injury.
