Ilia Topuria claimed he was told hours before the White House event announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but was later informed Makhachev got injured and he would face Gaethje instead. Topuria questioned why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Islam Makhachev responded that he agreed to the White House fight when contacted, but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev stated that Topuria refused the fight and accused him of lying, adding that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two champions over who is responsible for the fight not happening.
