Topuria and Makhachev dispute who declined White House fight

A public disagreement has emerged between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev over who declined a proposed bout at the White House event. Topuria claims he was informed hours before the announcement that he would fight Makhachev, only to be told shortly before the official reveal that Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Makhachev countered that he accepted the fight immediately when offered, but was told the next day that Topuria demanded an excessive purse and was denied. Makhachev insists that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. The exchange escalated on social media, with fans noting Makhachev's late-night posts. Both fighters maintain the other is lying about who rejected the matchup.