Ilia Topuria claims he was told hours before the White House event announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, only to be informed later that Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Islam Makhachev disputes this account, stating he agreed to the White House fight but was told Topuria demanded a huge purse and was denied. Makhachev insists Topuria rejected the fight and that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. The exchange highlights ongoing tension between the two champions and conflicting narratives about who declined the potential superfight. Both fighters are accusing each other of dishonesty regarding the failed negotiations. Additionally, Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce picked Sean Strickland over Khamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal criticizing Chimaev's wrestling-heavy style, and Dricus du Plessis named Israel Adesanya as his most technical opponent while excluding Chimaev from consideration.
