Ilia Topuria claimed he was promised a fight with Islam Makhachev hours before the White House event announcement, but was told Makhachev got injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria questioned why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded that he accepted the White House bout when offered, but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was declined. Makhachev accused Topuria and his team of lying, saying even Topuria's manager confirmed the account. A fan commented on Makhachev's late-night posting at 4 AM, to which Makhachev cryptically replied 'Today it's not him.' The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two champions.
