Topuria and Makhachev dispute who backed out of White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he was informed hours before the White House card announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but was later told Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Islam Makhachev countered that he agreed to the fight but was told Topuria requested a massive fee and was denied, leading to the fight falling through. Makhachev stated that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. The post also mentions that Dricus du Plessis considers Israel Adesanya the most technical opponent he's faced, with Sean Strickland and Brad Tavares being the toughest, while not considering his bout with Chimaev a real fight. Jorge Masvidal and Dustin Poirier have bet on Strickland in his upcoming fight with Hamzat Chimaev.