Makhachev: Topuria’s $20M ask killed White House blockbuster
UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev confirms the proposed superfight with Ilia Topuria collapsed after Topuria’s team tabled a $20 million payday. The promotion walked away, leaving Makhachev on the White House card while Topuria defended
Islam Makhachev says the UFC lightweight superfight with Ilia Topuria never happened because Topuria’s camp demanded a nine-figure purse—roughly $20 million—prompting the promotion to pull the plug. Makhachev, the reigning 155-pound champion, told media on Tuesday that he accepted the financial terms immediately when UFC brass presented them, but the league balked at the eight-figure figure. , but vanished from the official lineup once the price tag became public.
