Islam Makhachev reveals Ilia Topuria salary demand that caused fight to fall through
MMA Fighting • • sports
Key Points:
- Islam Makhachev revealed that UFC offered him a fight against Ilia Topuria for the lightweight title at the White House event, which he accepted immediately without asking for extra pay.
- The fight was canceled after Topuria’s team demanded around $20 million, a figure UFC declined, leading to the bout being scrapped.
- Topuria’s manager confirmed that salary disputes were a key reason the fight didn’t happen, stating the offer for fighting Makhachev was unrealistic.
- Makhachev denied claims that a hand injury prevented him from accepting the fight, emphasizing he agreed to the bout promptly.
- Makhachev is scheduled to defend his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 on August 15 in Philadelphia.
