Dana White Debunks Rumors of Canceled Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria White House Fight

Recent rumors suggested that the UFC was planning a super-fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria on June 14 at the South Lawn of the White House. According to initial reports, the deal was almost finalized but fell apart last Friday when the promotion was informed that Makhachev would not be fighting at the White House event.

However, UFC President Dana White vehemently denied these claims during the Zuffa Boxing 04 post-fight press conference. White stated that a fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria was never planned for the White House event.

He also revealed that Islam Makhachev is currently recovering from a hand injury, and the timeline for his return to make the first defense of his lightweight (155-pound) championship remains uncertain. White emphasized that fans should only trust official UFC announcements regarding upcoming fights.

Meanwhile, the lineup for UFC Freedom 250 has already been unveiled. The main event will feature a lightweight title unification bout between "El Matador" Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. Makhachev, as confirmed, is not part of this unique event.

Interestingly, Dana White added that Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria were informed at the very last moment, just before the UFC Freedom 250 fight list announcement, about their participation in the White House event. Justin Gaethje himself previously stated that on Thursday he was told he would not be fighting at the White House, but just one day later, on Friday, he was informed he might still be included on the card.

Despite the clarifications, White did not disclose which specific fight was canceled on Friday, which was originally slated to be part of the June 14 program.