Makhachev and Topuria dispute who rejected White House fight offer

A public dispute has emerged between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev over who declined a potential White House event fight. Topuria claims he was told hours before the announcement that the fight was set, only to be informed that Makhachev sustained an injury and he would instead face Gaethje. Makhachev countered that he accepted the fight offer but was told Topuria requested an excessive purse and was denied, with even Topuria's manager allegedly confirming this version. The exchange included a late-night social media back-and-forth, with Makhachev posting at 4 AM. The post also includes commentary from Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce, who backed Sean Strickland against Khamzat Chimaev, and notes from Dricus Du Plessis about his toughest opponents.