I. Makhachev and D. White during a ceremonial face-off at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X
Islam Makhachev , it seems, offered a controversial justification for his absence from UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June 14th. Following fan pressure regarding his refusal to fight Ilia Topuria on the special card, the Russian claimed the Spaniard had asked for an unrealistic amount of money to step into the octagon. This version, however, was initially denied by 'El Matador's' manager and now also by the UFC president.
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During a live stream with Adin Ross on the Kick platform, Dana White denied the version presented by the welterweight champion (up to 77kg) and assured that the information is incorrect.
"That's not true," said Dana White.
Islam Makhachev accuses Ilia Topuria of asking for more money.
Ilia Topuria wants to face Islam Makhachev in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Montage SUPER LUTAS
Although Ilia Topuria is scheduled to face Justin Gaethje at UFC Casa Branca , Islam Makhachev claims he should have been the Spaniard's opponent in the main event. According to the Russian, the fight didn't happen because Topuria allegedly demanded a higher sum of money to accept the bout.
“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.
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.…— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) April 7, 2026
Ian Garry caught Islam Makhachev in a lie.
Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry may face off for the UFC belt. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage
Another fighter who caught Makhachev in a lie was Ian Garry . Recently, the Irishman claimed that the champion had requested a recovery period due to a hand injury, which would postpone a possible fight between them. However, after the Russian's story didn't mention any physical problems, the Chute Boxe Diego Lima fighter considered the story a flimsy excuse.
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In a social media post, Garry reacted provocatively, indicating that his supposed recovery from the injury would eliminate any justification for postponing the fight and reinforcing his expectation of facing Makhachev in August.
"So your hand is okay? No more excuses, see you in August," said Ian Garry.
So your hand is fine then? No more excuses see you August. https://t.co/OixZzxr4IL
— “The Future” Ian Machado Garry (@iangarryMMA) April 7, 2026
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Read More about: Dana White, Ilia Topuria, Islam makhachev, UFC White House
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