Ilia Topuria claims he was told hours before the White House event announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but was then informed Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria questions why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded that he accepted the White House fight when offered, but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev insists Topuria refused the fight and accused him of lying, with Topuria's manager allegedly confirming this version. The back-and-forth exchange also included a fan joking with Makhachev about posting at 4 AM, to which he responded it wasn't him posting at that hour.
