Topuria and Makhachev dispute who refused White House fight

Ilia Topuria stated that hours before the White House card announcement, he was told he would fight Islam Makhachev, but shortly before the official reveal, he was informed Makhachev was injured and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria claims he went to sleep expecting the Makhachev fight and expressed confusion about why the lightweight champion doesn't want to face him. Islam Makhachev responded by saying he's tired of hearing fabrications from Topuria and his team, stating he agreed to the White House fight when offered but was then told Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev claimed even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. A fan noted that Ali Abdelaziz typically runs Makhachev's social media at 4 AM, but Makhachev replied "Today it's not him," suggesting he personally responded. The conflicting accounts leave the truth about who refused the fight unclear.