Ilia Topuria claimed he was told just hours before a White House event announcement that Islam Makhachev had sustained an injury, leading to Topuria being matched with Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria said he went to sleep knowing he would fight Makhachev, only to be informed of the change shortly before the official announcement. Makhachev responded by calling Topuria's account fabrications, stating that he agreed to the White House bout but was told the next day that Topuria had requested an enormous purse and was turned down. Makhachev insisted that Topuria refused the fight and accused him of lying, noting that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events.
