Topuria claims Makhachev pulled out hours before announcement

Ilia Topuria stated that he was informed of a scheduled fight with Islam Makhachev just hours before the White House card announcement, but was then told Makhachev had suffered an injury. Topuria claimed he went to sleep knowing the fight was confirmed, only to receive a call hours before the official announcement saying he would face Justin Gaethje instead. In response, Islam Makhachev disputed Topuria's version, stating he agreed to the fight but was told Topuria requested an excessive purse and was denied. Makhachev urged Topuria to stop lying, noting even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. Masvidal and Paifer both backed Sean Strickland over Khamzat Chimaev in their upcoming fight, with Masvidal criticizing Chimaev's style. Dricus Du Plessis named Adesanya as his most technical opponent and Strickland and Tavares as his toughest, with no mention of Chimaev.