Topuria and Makhachev exchange conflicting accounts about White House fight offer

Ilia Topuria claimed he was informed hours before a 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 expressed confusion about Makhachev's reluctance to accept the fight. Makhachev responded by stating he accepted the White House bout offer but was told the next day that Topuria demanded a huge purse and was denied, with Topuria's own manager allegedly confirming this version. Makhachev accused Topuria and his team of lying, insisting Topuria refused the fight. The exchange has created a he-said-he-said situation regarding who actually turned down the potential superfight. Meanwhile, Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce backed Sean Strickland against Khamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal criticizing Chimaev's grappling style.