Ilia Topuria has decided to give his version of why he is facing Justin Gaethje , and not Islam Makhachev , in the main event of UFC Casa Branca , scheduled for June 14th. Recently, the Russian used social media to claim that the fight didn't happen because the Spaniard had asked the organization for an exorbitant amount of money , a version later denied by Dana White and which 'El Matador' has now decided to refute.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Topuria stated that he doesn't know the whole story behind the scenes, but assured that, from the first contact with the UFC, he received two opponent options: Makhachev or Gaethje. According to the fighter, his team initially opted for the Russian because they considered it a bigger fight.
“Look, I don’t know the real story. What I do know is that, from the first call I received, I had two options: Islam and Justin Gaethje . We said we wanted Islam because it’s a bigger fight,” said Ilia Topuria.
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The Spaniard also revealed that, on the eve of the official announcement of the event, he was surprised by a call in the middle of the night informing him that Makhachev had suffered a hand injury. Because of this, the UFC reportedly changed its plans and decided that Topuria would face Gaethje in the main event.
“The day before the event was announced, they called me in the middle of the night, woke me up, and said that Islam was injured, something with his hand or something like that, and that I was going to fight Justin. That’s the story from my side,” concluded 'El Matador'.
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
Dana White refutes Islam Makhachev's version of events.
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.
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