Ilia Topuria claims he was informed he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, but hours before the announcement Makhachev withdrew due to injury and Topuria was matched with Justin Gaethje instead. Makhachev fired back, stating he accepted the White House fight but was told Topuria requested a massive payday and was declined. Makhachev accused Topuria and his team of lying, saying Topuria's own manager confirmed the story. The public feud has fans debating who is telling the truth. Meanwhile, Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce both picked Sean Strickland over Khamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal mocking Chimaev's grappling style. Dricus du Plessis named Israel Adesanya as his most technical opponent and Sean Strickland and Brad Tavares as his toughest, while dismissing his encounter with Chimaev as not a real fight.
