UFC Stars Ilia Topuria & Islam Makhachev Clash Over Failed White House Fight

Topuria claims Makhachev withdrew due to injury, while UFC boss Dana White denies the fight was ever planned.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 7:40pm

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UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is frustrated that his highly anticipated fight with Islam Makhachev did not come together for the upcoming UFC White House event. Topuria claims the fight was in the works before Makhachev withdrew due to injury, but UFC president Dana White has denied that the matchup was ever planned. Makhachev has since fired back, accusing Topuria of 'chickening out' of the fight.

Why it matters

The lightweight title picture has been a source of intrigue in the UFC, with Topuria and Makhachev emerging as two of the division's top stars. Fans have been eager to see the two champions clash, and the potential White House showdown had generated significant buzz. The conflicting accounts from the fighters and the UFC president have added an extra layer of drama to the situation.

The details

Topuria, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, claims he was set to face Makhachev, the UFC welterweight titleholder, at the upcoming UFC White House event. However, Topuria says Makhachev withdrew due to injury, leading the UFC to book him against Justin Gaethje instead. Makhachev has disputed Topuria's version of events, accusing the 'El Matador' of 'chickening out' of the fight. UFC president Dana White has also stated that the Topuria-Makhachev matchup was never actually planned for the White House card.

  • The UFC White House event is scheduled for June 14, 2026.
  • Topuria won the UFC lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in 2025.
  • Makhachev won the UFC welterweight title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in 2026.

The players

Ilia Topuria

The reigning UFC lightweight champion, known as 'El Matador', who is scheduled to headline the UFC White House event against Justin Gaethje.

Islam Makhachev

The current UFC welterweight champion, who Topuria claims was originally scheduled to fight him at the White House event before withdrawing due to injury.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who has denied that a Topuria-Makhachev fight was ever planned for the White House card.

Justin Gaethje

The UFC interim lightweight champion, who will now face Topuria in a title unification bout at the White House event.

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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.”

— Ilia Topuria, UFC Lightweight Champion

“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.”

— Islam Makhachev, UFC Welterweight Champion

What’s next

The UFC is expected to officially announce the main event for the White House card in the coming weeks, confirming whether Topuria will face Gaethje or if another matchup has been made.

The takeaway

The feud between Topuria and Makhachev has added intrigue to the UFC's lightweight and welterweight divisions, with fans eager to see the two champions settle their differences in the Octagon. The conflicting accounts from the fighters and the UFC president have only heightened the anticipation for this potential superfight, whenever it may happen.