Topuria and Makhachev dispute who refused White House fight

Ilia Topuria claims he was informed hours before the White House event announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, only to be told shortly before the reveal that Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he went to sleep expecting to fight Makhachev but woke to the change. In response, Makhachev said he accepted the White House fight offer but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev insisted that Topuria refused the bout and that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. The public dispute continues to escalate between the two champions, with fans weighing in on social media. Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce have both picked Sean Strickland to defeat Khamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal criticizing Chimaev's fighting style.