Straightforward response! Topuria businessman rebuts Makhachev and speaks of new negotiations.

Malki Kawa and Ilia Topuria with the UFC belt. Photo: Reproduction/X

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The potential fight between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev remains a hot topic, following a public exchange of conflicting accounts regarding the behind-the-scenes negotiations for UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June 14th. The situation gained traction on social media, with direct statements from both sides about why the fight hasn't been officially announced. This time, it was Malki Kawa, the lightweight champion's agent (up to 70,3 kg), who made the accusation.

Following Makhachev's criticism , Topuria's manager spoke out and disputed the narrative presented by the welterweight champion (up to 77 kg). According to the agent, the Georgian-Spanish fighter did not give up on the fight and the negotiations were impacted by factors other than those mentioned, including financial issues and even an injury to the Russian himself.

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“There’s no lie. We rejected both offers and the UFC remained silent. When they came back and accepted the amounts, Islam’s hand was injured and he couldn’t accept the fight. So, to whoever is managing Islam’s account, stop with this nonsense. When the White House event is over, we will continue pursuing this fight and the money that comes with it,” said Malki Kawa on his X profile, formerly Twitter.

🚨 Ilia Topuria ’s manager just called out Islam Makhachev and his team for lying about Topuria “pulling out” 😳

“There's no lie, we said no to both and UFC went dark. When they came back and AGREED TO THE NUMBERS, ISLAMS HAND WAS HURT AND COULDNT TAKE THE FIGHT.

So… pic.twitter.com/kgWGyVBm3j

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 8, 2026

Islam Makhachev's version of the story.

Malki Kawa's response stems from Makhachev's comment, in which he accused Topuria of backing out of negotiations after asking for a purse considered unrealistic by the UFC.

“I’m tired of hearing stories made up by Topuria and his team. I received the call and accepted the fight at the White House. The next day, I was told he asked for an unrealistic purse. The UFC refused, and he quit. That’s it, there’s nothing more to it. Even his manager confirmed it. Ilia, stop talking. Every interview you give tells a different story. You quit, and you know it,” Makhachev stated.

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