Ilia Topuria claims he was told a fight with Islam Makhachev would be announced at the White House event, but hours before the announcement he learned Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria questioned why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded that Topuria's team is lying, stating he agreed to the White House fight but was told Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev insisted Topuria refused the bout and accused him of dishonesty. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two champions over potential matchup negotiations.
