Ilia Topuria: “Islam Comes Up With an Excuse”

© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesUFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has reignited tensions with Islam Makhachev, accusing the former champion of avoiding a potential super fight scheduled for the historic White House event. Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) claims the UFC initially planned for him to face Makhachev on June 14 at UFC Freedom 250, but says the Dagestani star withdrew due to injury before the fight could be finalized. Instead, Topuria will headline the card in a lightweight title unification bout against interim champion Justin Gaethje.

In a fiery message posted on social media, Topuria alleged that Makhachev pulled out of the proposed matchup. “Once again Islam comes up with an…