Ilia Topuria claims he was told he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, only to be informed hours before the announcement that Makhachev was injured and he would face Gaethje instead. Topuria questioned why Makhachev does not want to fight him. Makhachev responded that he was offered and accepted the White House fight, but was then told Topuria demanded a huge purse and was refused. Makhachev stated that Topuria's own manager confirmed this version. The exchange reveals contradictory accounts from both fighters regarding who declined the proposed matchup. Fans noted Makhachev's late-night social media activity in the comments.
