Ilia Topuria claims he was informed hours before the White House event announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but was later told Makhachev got injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria expressed confusion about why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded that Topuria's team is lying, stating he agreed to the fight but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge purse and was denied. Makhachev insisted Topuria refused the fight and knows it, with even Topuria's manager confirming this version. The exchange has sparked debate among fans about who is telling the truth.
