Topuria and Makhachev dispute over cancelled White House fight

Ilia Topuria claims he was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev at a White House event but was told hours before the announcement that Makhachev was injured and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Makhachev responded by stating he accepted the fight but Topuria's team demanded a huge fee and was denied, and that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. The exchange highlights ongoing tension between the two fighters over who actually turned down the matchup. Makhachev posted his response at 4 AM, prompting a fan to joke about the late hour, to which Makhachev cryptically replied "Today it's not him," suggesting someone else manages his social media.