Ilia Topuria claims he was initially scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event but was told hours before the announcement that Makhachev was injured and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria expressed confusion about why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Islam Makhachev countered that he agreed to the fight but was told Topuria requested a huge purse and was denied, leading to the fight falling through. Makhachev stated he is tired of the fabrications from Topuria and his team, noting that even Topuria's manager confirmed the purse issue. The exchange highlights ongoing tension between the two champions over who declined the matchup.
