The tension between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev has exploded publicly on social networks after a harsh exchange of messages on X (Twitter). The Spanish-Georgian champion accused the Dagestani of avoiding the fight after reports emerged about an alleged injury that would have prevented the fight from being closed for the event that the UFC plans to hold at the White House.
Topuria published a long message on his official account explaining his version of events and assuring that he accepted the fight as soon as the organization mentioned Makhachev's name to him during the negotiations for the card.
Ilia Topuria's full tweet reads:
\"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.
Even though the fight hadn't been officially confirmed yet, the White House card was going to be announced the next day. 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.
Both of their manager is a bitch and also ugly as hell.
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.\"
The exchange has ignited the debate among MMA fans and puts the possibility of a superfight between the two champions back on the table in the future.