🚨 Ilia Topuria's manager clarified the situation surrounding the Ilia vs Islam fight
He says that on Wednesday they were asked about fighting either Justin Gaethje or Islam Makhachev, but "the number was so low" they didn't want anything to do with it
Later that week on Friday, the UFC came back and asked them about fighting at the White House. By this point, Islam was no longer an option because he was injured
Regarding the offer from the UFC, he says:
"Islam vs Ilia might be the biggest fight in UFC history. Don't you guys think that should have the biggest payday in UFC history?
I'd be a damn fool to take that fight for less than the right numbers. It's not like I asked for $100 million, I didn't ask for $50 million. I asked for a number I think is super reasonable."
(via @malkikawa)
I’m tired of hearing made-up stories from Topuria and his team.
I got the call and accepted the fight at the White House. The next day, I was told he asked for an unrealistic purse. The UFC declined, and he pulled out. That’s it nothing more to it.
Even his manager confirmed it.
Ilia, stop talking. Every interview you give tells a different story. You pulled out, and you know it.