Topuria and Makhachev dispute cancelled White House fight announcement

Ilia Topuria claims he was told he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event and went to bed expecting that announcement, but was then informed hours before the official announcement that Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Makhachev countered by saying he agreed to the White House fight when offered, but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied, leading to the fight falling through. Makhachev stated that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. The social media exchange also included Makhachev clarifying a late-night post wasn't written by him personally. Additionally, the post mentions Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce both picked Sean Strickland to beat Khamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal criticizing Chimaev's style.