Makhachev Responds To Topuria's Ducking Claim

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev issued a definitive response to Ilia Topuria, claiming that "unrealistic" financial demands—not a hand injury—were the true reason their fight fell through.

While Topuria is currently preparing to headline UFC Freedom 250 against Justin Gaethje, Makhachev insists he was the original choice for the landmark event. Ilia recently alleged that Makhachev used a recurring hand injury as a convenient "exit strategy" to avoid defending his 170-lb title against him.

Islam countered by revealing that he accepted the 170-lb bout immediately upon being offered. According to Makhachev, Topuria’s team viewed the chance to become the UFC’s first simultaneous three-division champion as a "once-in-a-lifetime" payday opportunity, leading to a negotiation stalemate that forced the UFC to pivot to the Gaethje unification bout.

Makhachev Reacts

While the hand injury is real, Makhachev insists he would have fought through it for the White House date had the contract been signed. He is now targeting a late-summer return, likely in August 2026 at UFC 330. Makhachev warned Topuria that "playing games" with the UFC brass usually backfires.

"I’m tired of hearing made-up stories from Topuria and his team. I got the call and accepted the fight at the White House. The next day, I was told he asked for an unrealistic purse. The UFC declined, and he pulled out. That’s it nothing more to it. Even his manager confirmed it. Ilia, stop talking. Every interview you give tells a different story. You pulled out, and you know it," Makhachev said

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