Ilia Topuria Reveals Near Fight with Islam Makhachev for UFC Freedom 250
Ilia Topuria: Islam Makhachev was first offer for UFC Freedom 250
Yahoo! News
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Ilia Topuria revealed that he was initially offered a fight against welterweight champion Islam Makhachev for the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House. However, after Makhachev reported an injury, Topuria will instead face interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje on June 14, 2024.
- 01Ilia Topuria was first offered a fight against Islam Makhachev for UFC Freedom 250.
- 02Makhachev's injury led to Topuria facing Justin Gaethje instead.
- 03Topuria aimed to become a three-division champion.
- 04Dana White and Makhachev have denied the fight was close to happening.
- 05Topuria remains hopeful for a future matchup with Makhachev.
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Ilia Topuria, a rising star in the UFC, disclosed that his first fight offer for the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 event was against welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. However, due to Makhachev's reported injury, Topuria will now compete against interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje on June 14, 2024, at the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. Topuria expressed disappointment but remains optimistic about facing Makhachev in the future, stating, 'I think it's gonna happen at some point.' Despite Dana White and Makhachev denying that the fight was close to being finalized, Topuria insists that he was very close to securing the matchup. He hopes to achieve his goal of becoming a three-division champion soon, especially with Alex Pereira also vying for this unprecedented accomplishment.
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The event at the White House will attract significant attention, showcasing the UFC's growing prominence in mainstream sports.
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