Topuria and Makhachev dispute who turned down White House fight

A public dispute has emerged between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev over who declined their potential fight at the White House event. Topuria claims he went to sleep knowing he would fight Makhachev but was told hours before the announcement that Islam was injured and he would instead face Gaethje. Topuria states he doesn't know why Makhachev doesn't want the fight. Makhachev responded that he is tired of the fabrications from Topuria and his team, saying he agreed to the fight but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was turned down. Makhachev insists Topuria's own manager confirmed this and that Topuria is the one who refused the bout. The exchange highlights ongoing tension between the two champions over a potential super fight.