"Once again Islam comes up with an excuse. This time it's an injury. I always knew I would be part of the White House event. Even when the UFC told me at one point that they wouldn't count on me for the event, I knew it was part of the negotiation. When they finally told me I would be on the White House card, they mentioned Islam and I didn't hesitate for a second to accept the fight."
"And when I woke, I found out that Islam had gotten injured. And then Justin Gaethje appeared. Once again, someone else who will pay for Islam's escape. Justin, see you at the White House. I'm not someone who humiliates people. It will be quick. When you wake up, everything will already be over."
Ilia Topuria confirms he was initially scheduled to face Islam Makhachev at the UFC White House card on June 14. When Makhachev withdrew due to injury, Justin Gaethje stepped in as Topuria's replacement opponent. Topuria expressed confidence in his involvement with the White House event, stating he anticipated the booking despite initial uncertainty from the UFC. He returns to competition for the first time since June of the previous year, when he defeated Charles Oliveira to capture the vacant lightweight championship. Topuria took time away from competition earlier in the year to address personal matters.
Read at Sherdog
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