Ilia Topuria Accuses Islam Makhachev of Ducking White House Matchup

Lightweight champion Topuria set to face interim titleholder Gaethje instead

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria was hoping to take on welterweight champion Islam Makhachev at the upcoming UFC event at the White House on June 14, but Makhachev has reportedly pulled out due to an injury. Topuria believes Makhachev has been avoiding a fight between the two and accused the top pound-for-pound fighter of ducking the matchup. Instead, Topuria will now face interim lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje at the White House event.

Why it matters

This matchup between two of the UFC's top champions was highly anticipated, and Topuria's accusations of Makhachev ducking the fight will only add more drama and intrigue to the upcoming White House event. The UFC has been working to bring major sporting events to the nation's capital, and this card featuring two title fights is a significant milestone.

The details

Topuria was hoping to become a two-division UFC champion by taking on Makhachev, who recently vacated his lightweight title to move up to welterweight. However, Makhachev has reportedly pulled out of the White House event due to an injury, leading Topuria to accuse him of avoiding the fight. Topuria will now face interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje instead.

  • The UFC White House event is scheduled for June 14, 2026.
  • Topuria was originally told he would not be part of the White House card, but was later confirmed to be fighting on the event.
  • Makhachev's withdrawal and Gaethje's addition to face Topuria happened just before the White House card was officially announced.

The players

Ilia Topuria

The current UFC lightweight champion who was hoping to take on welterweight champion Islam Makhachev in a highly anticipated matchup at the White House event.

Islam Makhachev

The current UFC welterweight champion who has reportedly pulled out of the White House event due to an injury, according to Topuria's accusations of him ducking the fight.

Justin Gaethje

The current interim UFC lightweight champion who will now face Topuria at the White House event after Makhachev's withdrawal.

Ali Abdelaziz

The manager for both Makhachev and Gaethje, who Topuria criticized in his social media post.

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What they’re saying

“Once again Islam comes up with an excuse. This time it's an injury. I always knew I would be part of the White House event. Even when the UFC told me at one point that they wouldn't count on me for the event, I knew it was part of the negotiation. When they finally told me I would be on the White House card, they mentioned Islam and I didn't hesitate for a second to accept the fight. Even though the fight hadn't been officially confirmed yet, the White House card was going to be announced the next day. And when I woke, I found out that Islam had gotten injured. And then Justin Gaethje appeared. Once again, someone else who will pay for Islam's escape. Both of their manager (Ali Abdelaziz) is a b*tch and also ugly as hell.”

— Ilia Topuria, UFC Lightweight Champion (X)

What’s next

The UFC White House event on June 14 will feature the lightweight title fight between champion Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje, as well as other high-profile matchups.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing drama and rivalries within the UFC's top ranks, as champions jockey for marquee matchups. The White House event will be a significant showcase for the promotion, and Topuria's accusations against Makhachev add an extra layer of intrigue to the card.