Ilia Topuria claimed he was told hours before a White House event announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, only to be notified shortly before the reveal that Makhachev was injured and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria expressed confusion over why Makhachev does not want to fight him. Makhachev responded by denying the claims, stating he agreed to the White House bout but was then told Topuria demanded a massive purse and was denied. Makhachev accused Topuria and his team of lying, saying even Topuria's manager confirmed the story. A fan humorously told Makhachev it was 4 AM and to go to sleep, to which Makhachev replied, "It's not him today."
