Topuria and Makhachev dispute who turned down White House fight

Ilia Topuria claims he was told hours before the White House card announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but was then informed Makhachev had suffered an injury and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria stated he went to sleep knowing he would fight Makhachev but received the change shortly before the official announcement. In response, Islam Makhachev denied these claims, stating he agreed to the fight when offered but was told Topuria requested too much money and was turned down. Makhachev emphasized that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. When a fan commented on Makhachev's late-night post, the fighter clarified it wasn't Ali Abdelaziz responding. Additionally, Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce both picked Sean Strickland to defeat Khamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal criticizing Chimaev's fighting style.