Topuria and Makhachev clash over claims of White House bout negotiations

Ilia Topuria claimed he was informed he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House card, but was told hours before the announcement that Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria questioned why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev fired back, saying he agreed to the White House fight but was told Topuria requested an enormous purse and was denied. Makhachev stated that Topuria refused the fight and his manager confirmed this. In a late-night social media exchange, a fan told Makhachev to go to sleep at 4 AM, to which Makhachev replied "Today it's not him," suggesting someone else is managing his account. The back-and-forth highlights ongoing tension between the two champions over fight negotiations.