Islam Makhachev questions Ilia Topuria celebrating night before UFC White House loss

Islam Makhachev believes Ilia Topuria's loss to Justin Gaethje at the UFC White House event in June stemmed from a loss of focus rather than a skill mismatch. Topuria, who was the overwhelming favourite heading into the main event, surrendered his lightweight title in a stunning upset defeat that marked his first professional loss across eighteen fights.

Appearing on the MightyCast with host Demetrious Johnson, Makhachev noted that he had picked Topuria to retain his belt. However, he theorised that the Georgian striker's confidence—and notably his pre-fight celebrations—may have contributed to his downfall. Makhachev highlighted video footage of Topuria celebrating the night before the fight, describing it as evidence of overconfidence. He contrasted this with his own pre-fight rituals, which involve thanking supporters at restaurants or gatherings rather than high-profile celebrity parties that might distract from fight preparation.

"When you become champion and you lose the focus, it happens," Makhachev explained, adding that Topuria likely underestimated Gaethje's durability and fighting ability. He suggested that Topuria's aggressive pursuit of knockout finishes—tactics that had worked against Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira—drained his energy against an opponent capable of sustaining pressure throughout a fight.

Makhachev also gently dismissed the notion that Topuria was employing manifestation to will victory, joking that if manifestation worked, he would become a billionaire overnight. Despite their rivalry and past exchanges over a potential superfight, Makhachev held no ill will toward Topuria and predicted he could regain championship form with renewed focus and maturity.