Topuria and Makhachev clash over conflicting accounts of White House fight offer

Ilia Topuria claimed he was told just hours before the White House announcement that he would face Islam Makhachev, only to learn Makhachev was injured and he'd fight Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria questioned why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded that he's tired of Topuria's fabrications, stating he accepted the White House fight but was told the next day that Topuria demanded a huge fee and was refused. Makhachev insisted Topuria turned down the fight and accused him of lying. The exchange included Makhachev posting late at night, with fans noting the unusual timing. Additionally, Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce backed Sean Strickland against Khamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal calling Chimaev's style "sitting and smelling crotches."