Ilia Topuria claims he was told just hours before the White House card announcement that he would face Islam Makhachev, but was later informed Makhachev was injured and he would fight Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria questions why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded that he agreed to the White House fight when offered, but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev accused Topuria and his team of lying, stating that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the lightweight and featherweight champions over a potential superfight.
