Report: Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria was original plan for UFC White House

A planned Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria bout was canceled at the last minute, shifting the UFC White House main event to Justin Gaethje vs. Topuria on June 14. Reporter Irati Prat said UFC learned late that Makhachev would not fight at the White House, noting concern around UFC 326 weigh-ins. The Freedom Fights 250 card was then reworked as Gaethje confirmed he had initially been told he would not compete. Prat posted that an agreement for Makhachev vs. Topuria existed and that a welterweight pairing for the White House had been discussed as of Sunday. Manager Ali Abdelaziz tweeted the UFC was planning its biggest fight possible.