Dana White denies Makhachev vs. Topuria was ever in the works

UFC president Dana White has dismissed reports that a blockbuster superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria was ever planned for the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House.

Six bouts have already been confirmed for the June 14 card, but White revealed that one potential matchup ultimately fell through. Spanish outlet Marca reported that the fight in question would have featured UFC welterweight champion Makhachev defending his title against lightweight champion Topuria. White, however, denied that claim and added that Makhachev is currently dealing with a hand injury.

“That’s not true,” White told reporters at the Zuffa Boxing 4 post-fight press conference on Sunday night. “It was never Islam vs. Topuria. Don’t worry about what fights are being made. We announce which ones are made and which ones will be happening. I told you there were some weird circumstances as the reason that fight fell out.”

UFC Freedom 250 will instead be headlined by lightweight champion Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) taking on interim champion Justin Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) in a title-unification bout. Gaethje later revealed that the fight was finalized just a day before the official announcement — something White did not dispute.

“It wasn’t up on stage with Mick, Hunter and Sean,” White said. “It was at Power Slap that the fight fell apart that night, and then all the boys went back to the office and literally stayed there until 9 in the morning. That’s how Gaethje ended up on the card.

“And Topuria wasn’t originally supposed to be on the card either, so he got the call too.”