Topuria and Makhachev trade accusations over White House fight cancellation

Ilia Topuria claimed he was originally scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event but Makhachev pulled out with an injury hours before the announcement, leading to Topuria being matched with Gaethje instead. Makhachev responded by calling Topuria's story false, stating he accepted the White House fight but was told Topuria requested an enormous fee and was denied. Makhachev insisted Topuria refused the fight and accused him of lying. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two champions. Meanwhile, Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce have both backed Sean Strickland in his upcoming fight against Khamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal criticizing Chimaev's grappling-heavy style.