Topuria and Makhachev trade accusations over collapsed White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he was informed hours before the White House announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but was then told Makhachev suffered an injury and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria questioned why Makhachev doesn't want the fight. Makhachev responded by saying he accepted the White House bout when offered, but was told the next day that Topuria requested a massive purse and was denied. Makhachev accused Topuria of lying and stated that Topuria's own manager confirmed the story. Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce backed Sean Strickland to defeat Hamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal calling Chimaev's style "sitting and smelling crotches."