A public dispute has emerged between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev over who rejected their potential fight announcement at the White House. Topuria claims he went to bed knowing he would fight Makhachev, but hours before the announcement was told Makhachev was injured and he would instead fight Justin Gaethje. Makhachev countered, stating he agreed to the White House fight but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied, leading to Topuria's refusal. Makhachev insisted that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version and accused Topuria of lying. The exchange includes a fan noting Makhachev responded at 4 AM, to which Makhachev cryptically replied it wasn't him posting. Additionally, Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce backed Sean Strickland over Khamzat Chimaev, and Dricus du Plessis rated Israel Adesanya as most technical and Sean Strickland as toughest, while UFC 327 fighters have earned 92 total bonuses combined.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
