Ilia Topuria is undefeated in MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @iliatopuria
Ilia Topuria believe that Islam makhachev He is avoiding facing him in the Ultimate Fighting Championship octagon. Recently, the Spaniard was announced in the main event of UFC Casa Branca, scheduled for June 14th. However, while he was hoping to face the Russian, his opponent for the occasion will be... Justin gaethje, a rival who, according to 'El Matador', will pay for the alleged escape of the Dagestani.
In a post on 'X', Topuria stated that, once again, Makhachev had given a justification for not fighting him, this time claiming an injury. The Spaniard emphasized that he always believed he would be part of the historic event at the White House and that, even when the UFC indicated at one point that he would not be on the card, he viewed the situation as part of the negotiations.
“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 be counting on me for the event, I knew that was part of the negotiation,” he said. Ilia Topuria.
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According to the lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), when the organization finally confirmed his presence at the event, Makhachev's name was mentioned as a possible opponent. Topuria stated that he did not hesitate to accept the fight. Although the fight had not yet been officially announced, the card was to be announced the following day. However, upon waking up, the Spaniard stated that he had discovered that the Russian had been injured, opening the way for the entry of... Justin gaethje in the fight.
“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 would be announced the next day. And when I woke up, I found out that Islam had been injured. And then…” Justin gaethje “He appeared,” the Spaniard continued.
In the same post, Topuria provoked his Russian rival by saying that, once again, another fighter would pay for his absence. The Spaniard also criticized the promoter Ali Abdelaziz, who represents both athletes, and took the opportunity to send a message to Gaethje, assuring him that their fight at the White House event will be quick.
"Once again, another person will pay for Islam's escape. Their manager is an idiot and also incredibly ugly. Justin, see you at the White House. I'm not someone who humiliates people. It will be quick. When you wake up, it will all be over," El Matador concluded.
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…— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) March 10, 2026
Ilia Topuria updates her record and adds a victory over Gaethje, even before the fight.
Ilia Topuria poses with two UFC belts after victory against Charles of the Bronx. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.
Although the opponent this time is not the one expected, Ilia Topuria He remains quite confident about having his arm raised at UFC Casa Branca. When announcing the fight on social media, the Spaniard shared an image of a poster with his face next to that of... Justin gaethje.
In the caption of the post, despite currently having 17 wins and no losses in his career, 'El Matador' wrote '18-0', accompanied by a red rose emoji, a symbol that has become a hallmark of his celebrations inside the octagon.
Read More about: Ali abdelaziz, Ilia Topuria, Islam makhachev, Justin gaethje, UFC White House
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