Ilia Topuria claimed he was informed hours before the White House card announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but was then told Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria questioned why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. In response, Makhachev stated he agreed to the White House fight when offered, but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev accused Topuria and his team of lying, saying Topuria's own manager confirmed the story. The exchange occurred late at night, with Makhachev noting it wasn't Ali Abdelaziz posting on his behalf at 4 AM.
