Islam Makhachev says Ilia Topuria and his team know why Topuria vs. Makhachev is not happening at the White House, and he is leaning toward Topuria beating Justin Gaethje.
A clip shared by Championship Rounds showed Makhachev answering whether he wants to face Topuria sooner or later. Makhachev, listed as the UFC welterweight champion and former UFC lightweight champion, kept the answer short while addressing the fight that did not come together and the Topuria vs. Gaethje matchup.
Watch the clip below:
https://x.com/ChampRDS/status/2060038486065827849
The tweet stated that Makhachev predicts Topuria will beat Gaethje and included one direct quote on the White House situation.
“Topuria himself and his team know why Topuria vs Makhachev won’t happen at the White House.”
The clip opened with Makhachev being asked, “Would you like to face Topuria yourself sooner or later?” UFC’s on-screen captions showed Makhachev pointing back to the failed matchup.
“There’s a lot of talk,” Makhachev said. “A lot of discussion about this fight. But… Topuria himself and his team know why the fight Topuria vs Makhachev won’t happen at the White House.”
Topuria is listed at 17-0 and now carries UFC lightweight gold after previously winning the featherweight belt, so this is not exactly some random internet fantasy booking cooked up after three coffees. He has publicly pushed for the Makhachev fight, including saying the matchup “has to happen”.
Islam Makhachev Leans Toward Ilia Topuria Over Justin Gaethje
Makhachev then addressed Topuria’s scheduled fight with Gaethje. He did not dismiss Gaethje, who is listed at 27-5 with 20 knockout wins and remains one of the UFC’s most dangerous lightweights.
“I think…” Makhachev said. “Of course I’m not counting Gaethje out. He’s an old warhorse with a lot of experience. But Topuria is younger.”
Makhachev said the fight should deliver for fans and predicted it will end before the judges are needed.
“It will be a great fight for the fans,” Makhachev said. “I believe this fight definitely won’t go the distance. And I’m leaning toward Topuria winning.”
Topuria already has major names leaning his way, including Alexander Volkanovski picking him to stop Gaethje. Makhachev did the same, but he also tossed a little gasoline on the missing Topuria fight by saying Topuria’s side knows why it is not happening at the White House. Classic MMA housekeeping, really: make a prediction, avoid the full explanation, and leave everyone arguing about the part he did not say.
