Topuria and Makhachev dispute details of scrapped White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he was told he would face Islam Makhachev at the White House event, but hours before the announcement Makhachev withdrew with an injury and Topuria was matched with Justin Gaethje instead. Makhachev responded by saying Topuria's team demanded a massive purse and were denied, leading to the fight falling through. Makhachev stated that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. The exchange highlights conflicting accounts about why the anticipated lightweight-featherweight superfight did not materialize. Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce have both predicted Sean Strickland will defeat Hamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal calling Chimaev's style "sitting and smelling crotches."