While Ilia Topuria took shots at Islam Makhachev over their cross-division fight failing to come to fruition for the White House card in June, the lightweight champion now feels it is the UFC behind the match not being made.
Topuria will instead face the interim 155-pound belt holder Justin Gaethje on June 14th from the South Lawn of the White House. But following the announcement of their fight, information surfaced surrounding the potential for Makhachev to appear on the card, but negotiations apparently came to a halt, with both him and Topuria pointing the finger the other’s way.
In a recent interview, ‘El Matador’ revealed that he now does not blame the welterweight titleholder for their match not being made yet, and instead feels the UFC simply does not want to go that route at this stage. Despite some recent jabs on social media from both sides, Topuria highlighted that he respects Makhachev and holds no negative personal feelings towards him. He closed out the interview by noting that regardless of whether the match with Makhachev becomes a reality, he is happy in his career and at peace.
“I don’t think that it’s because of him that the fight is not happening,” Topuria said. “I truly believe that the UFC doesn’t want to make it happen.”
“I don’t hate him. I don’t have anything personal with him,” Topuria explained. “He achieved great things in the sport. He’s a double champion like me.”
“For me personally, it wouldn’t change anything if that fight doesn’t happen,” Topuria said. “I will be happy and proud about myself anyways. I don’t need Islam to feel realized or proud about myself.”
(h/t MMANews.com)