Ilia Topuria stated he was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event and was told hours before the announcement that Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Makhachev denied this, saying he agreed to the bout but was told the next day that Topuria demanded a huge purse and was refused. Makhachev claims Topuria's manager confirmed this version. A fan joked about Makhachev posting at 4 a.m., to which Makhachev replied it wasn't him this time. The exchange highlights ongoing tension between the two fighters over who declined the potential matchup.
