Topuria claims UFC scrapped Makhachev fight hours before White House announcement

Ilia Topuria revealed he was informed hours before the White House event that he would face Islam Makhachev, only to have the bout replaced with Justin Gaethje after Makhachev allegedly withdrew due to injury. Topuria expressed confusion about why Makhachev would avoid the fight. Makhachev responded by stating Topuria's team demanded an unreasonably high purse and were denied, leading to the cancellation. Makhachev insisted that Topuria turned down the bout and that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. The back-and-forth dispute highlights ongoing tension between the two champions over who refused the potential superfight.