Manager of Ilia Topuria Explains UFC Talks: “Islam Makhachev Not Considered”
Malki Kawa, the manager of UFC fighter Ilia Topuria, has clarified the status of his client’s upcoming matchup and the discussions surrounding a potential fight with Islam Makhachev. Topuria is scheduled to face Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unification bout at UFC White House on June 14.
Details of the Fight Negotiations
Kawa detailed the timeline leading to Topuria’s fight against Gaethje. Initially, there was consideration for Topuria to fight Makhachev, but this discussion was brief.
- Date of Fight: June 14
- Opponent: Justin Gaethje
- Event: UFC White House
Kawa recounted a conversation with UFC officials that took place the Monday before the announcement. He asked whether Topuria would be part of the card, ultimately receiving a negative response. However, by Wednesday, he was informed that Topuria could choose to fight either Gaethje or Makhachev.
Clarification on Makhachev
According to Kawa, although Topuria expressed interest in fighting Makhachev, he was informed that Makhachev was unavailable due to an injury. This led to the finalization of the matchup with Gaethje instead.
- Makhachev’s Condition: Injured
- Alternative Fight: Gaethje
Kawa stated that the negotiations for Topuria to fight Gaethje occurred late on Friday night, just before the official announcement at UFC 326 in March. He emphasized that Makhachev was never a viable option at that time.
Future Aspirations and Acknowledgment of Potential
Despite the current bout, Kawa mentioned that Topuria remains eager to fight Makhachev after UFC White House if conditions are favorable. He stressed that Topuria’s desire for this matchup is genuine, stating, “Islam Makhachev was never an actual option.” Kawa also expressed confidence that a fight between Topuria and Makhachev could be one of the most significant matchups in UFC history.
Furthermore, Kawa pointed out that they would seek a fair negotiation for this potential bout, indicating that both fighters wanted the opportunity to compete at their best. He emphasized the importance of securing proper financial terms for such a high-profile fight, ensuring that it would be positioned accordingly within the sport.
As the June 14 fight approaches, both Topuria and Kawa remain focused on the task at hand while still setting their sights on a future clash with Makhachev.
