Ilia Topuria claims he was told hours before the White House event announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but was later informed that Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria expressed confusion about why Makhachev does not want to fight him. In response, Islam Makhachev stated he is tired of hearing fabrications from Topuria and his team, asserting that he agreed to the White House fight but was told Topuria demanded a huge fee and was denied, with Topuria's own manager allegedly confirming this version. Makhachev accused Topuria of lying and rejecting the fight. The exchange highlights conflicting narratives between the two camps regarding failed negotiations. Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce both picked Sean Strickland to defeat Khamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal criticizing Chimaev's fighting style and Cosce refusing to comment due to personal dislike.
