Makhachev and Topuria dispute who rejected super-fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev and went to bed knowing the bout would be announced, but hours before the announcement he was told Makhachev was injured and he would fight Justin Gaethje instead. Islam Makhachev responded by saying Topuria is lying, stating he agreed to the fight when offered but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev added that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. The exchange highlights conflicting accounts about why their anticipated super-fight never materialized. In related news, Jorge Masvidal and Bo Nickal picked Sean Strickland to beat Khamzat Chimaev, and Dricus du Plessis said Israel Adesanya was his most technical opponent while Strickland and Brad Tavares hit the hardest.