Ilia Topuria claimed he was told just hours before the White House card announcement that his planned fight with Islam Makhachev was scrapped due to Makhachev's injury, with Justin Gaethje replacing him. Islam Makhachev responded that he agreed to the White House bout, but was later informed that Topuria demanded a huge fee and was turned down. Makhachev accused Topuria of lying and stated that it was Topuria who refused the fight. The exchange included a humorous fan comment about the late-night social media activity. Additionally, Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce predicted Sean Strickland would defeat Khamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal criticizing Chimaev's wrestling-heavy style.
