I had repeatedly been checking throughout this whole process: Are they asking Ilia to fight at the White House? I repeatedly heard no. Mid last week, they finally reached out. They asked Ilia, “What are you more interested in — Islam or Gaethje? One’s at 170, one’s at 155.” Per my sources, Ilia said, “Give me Islam. I’m going up to 170.” That was it. Ilia x Islam was never finalized, however, because Islam wasn’t going to be available. Once that became clear, they turned their attention to Gaethje. But at the end of the day, Ilia wanted Islam. Ilia Topuria is about that freaking life. He wanted the biggest test possible.