Ilia Topuria claimed he was told hours before the White House event announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, only to later learn Makhachev had suffered an injury and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria questioned why Makhachev didn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded that he agreed to the fight when offered, but the next day was told Topuria had requested a huge fee and was refused. Makhachev stated that Topuria turned down the fight and accused him of lying, adding that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. The exchange highlights ongoing tension between the two champions regarding potential matchup negotiations.
