Topuria and Makhachev dispute who declined superfight at White House event

A public dispute has emerged between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev over who declined their potential superfight. Topuria claims he was told hours before the White House announcement that he would fight Makhachev, but was then informed Makhachev had suffered an injury and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Makhachev countered that he agreed to the fight when contacted, but the next day was told Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied, resulting in Topuria declining the bout. Makhachev stated that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version and accused Topuria of lying. The exchange also includes comments from Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce, who both backed Sean Strickland in his upcoming fight with Khamzat Chimaev.