Ilia Topuria claimed he was told he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, but hours before the announcement Makhachev allegedly pulled out with an injury, leading to Topuria facing Justin Gaethje instead. Makhachev fired back, stating he accepted the White House fight but was told Topuria demanded a huge purse and was denied, accusing Topuria of lying. Makhachev's team later posted that Topuria's own manager confirmed the purse issue. In another note, Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce both picked Sean Strickland over Khamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal mocking Chimaev's wrestling-heavy style. Dricus du Plessis said Israel Adesanya was his most technical opponent, while Strickland and Tavares were his toughest, adding that he doesn't even count his brief clash with Chimaev as a real fight.
