Topuria and Makhachev exchange accusations over cancelled White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed that hours before the White House event card was announced, he was told he would fight Islam Makhachev, but shortly before the announcement, he was informed Makhachev had suffered an injury and would be replaced by Gaethje. Islam Makhachev responded by calling Topuria's statements lies, saying he agreed to the fight but was told Topuria demanded too large a purse and was denied. Makhachev added that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. A fan commenting late at night prompted Makhachev to clarify he was not the one managing his account at that moment. Meanwhile, Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce backed Sean Strickland in his upcoming fight against Hamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal mocking Chimaev's grappling-heavy style.