Dana White Clarifies Makhachev vs Topuria Rumours Surrounding White House Event

Speculation surrounding a potential showdown between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria recently gained momentum after reports from Spanish media suggested the two fighters had already agreed to a bout for the high-profile White House event. However, Dana White has now addressed the rumours and firmly denied that such a fight was ever planned for the card.

White Rejects Reports of Proposed Fight

According to Spanish media outlets, both fighters had allegedly reached an agreement for a clash last week. The reports further claimed that the Russian star pulled out of the arrangement on Friday, paving the way for Justin Gaethje to join the event lineup.

White, however, dismissed those claims while speaking to reporters during a Zuffa Boxing event on Sunday.

“That is true [Justin Gaethje wasn’t originally on the card]. It was never Islam versus Topuria.

"Don’t worry about what fights are being made. We announced which ones are made and which ones will be happening. I told you there were some weird circumstances [surrounding the late pullout].

“The reason that fight fell out and it wasn’t up on stage with Mick [Maynard], Hunter [Campbell] and Sean [Shelby], it was at Power Slap that the fight fell apart that night and all the boys went back to the office and were there until literally 9 in the morning and that’s how Gaethje ended up on the card.

"Topuria wasn’t originally supposed to be on the card either. So he got the call, too."

Last-Minute Changes to the Fight Card

A bout scheduled for the White House event collapsed just 24 hours before the card was officially announced on Saturday, forcing UFC officials to quickly rearrange the lineup.

According to Dana White, the team worked overnight to restructure the card, which ultimately led to Justin Gaethje being added and sparked speculation about a Makhachev vs Topuria clash.

Update on Makhachev’s Condition

White also shed light on Makhachev’s current situation, confirming that the lightweight champion is dealing with a hand injury.

“He’s got some hand issues,” White said of Makhachev.

“I know that. I don’t know how serious the hand issues are or how long that will keep him out, but he’s injured.”

For now, fans will have to wait for further updates regarding the return of the Russian star and whether a future matchup between the two fighters could still take shape.