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Dana White finally responds to Topuria vs Makhachev rumours and drops injury update
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- Dana White finally responds to Topuria vs Makhachev rumours and drops injury update
Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images
Dana White has dismissed rumours that Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev were set to fight at UFC Freedom 250 before the bout allegedly collapsed at the last minute.
Speculation emerged online suggesting that 'El Matador' and Makhachev had been lined up for a blockbuster clash before the promotion announced the official White House card.
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However, speaking after Zuffa Boxing 04, the UFC president insisted the rumour was inaccurate while explaining how the promotion actually had to reshape the card late in the process.
Dana White denies Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev fight was ever planned
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
White addressed the speculation directly during the post-fight press conference and rejected the idea that a Topuria vs Makhachev fight had fallen apart before the announcement of the UFC Freedom 250 card.
"That's not true. It was never Islam vs Topuria. Don't worry about what fights are being made, we announce which ones are made," the 56-year-old replied.
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"It was at the Power Slap that the fight fell apart, that night, and then all the boys went back to the office and literally were there till 9 in the morning trying to figure out the card. That's how Gaethje ended up on the card."
The promotion had to quickly reorganise the event line-up the morning before the announcement. According to White, neither Topuria nor Justin Gaethje, his current rival, would feature on the card initially.
Dana White reveals Islam Makhachev is currently dealing with a hand injury
The UFC president also provided an update on Makhachev's situation, confirming the welterweight champion is currently dealing with an injury.
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"I don't know. He's got some hand issues. I know that. I don't know how serious the hand issues are, how long that will keep him out. But yeah, he's injured," White said.
The update creates uncertainty around Makhachev's next appearance. Adding to an unclear timeline, the Dagestani star does not know who will be his next rival, with Kamaru Usman and Ian Machado Garry as the main contenders now.
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