Topuria and Makhachev dispute who refused fight, contradicting each other

Ilia Topuria claims he went to sleep knowing he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, but was called hours before the announcement and told Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he doesn't know why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded that he is tired of hearing fabrications from Topuria and his team, saying he agreed to the fight when offered but was told the next day that Topuria demanded a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev stated it was Topuria who refused the fight and that even Topuria's manager confirmed this. The exchange highlights a public dispute over who actually turned down the potential superfight, with both fighters accusing the other of declining the matchup.