A public disagreement has emerged between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev over who rejected a potential fight that was planned to be announced at the White House. Topuria claims he was informed he would fight Makhachev, but hours before the announcement was told Makhachev had sustained an injury and he would instead face Gaethje. Makhachev countered that he accepted the fight when offered, but Topuria requested an enormous fee and was denied, with Makhachev claiming even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. The exchange has played out on social media with both fighters accusing the other of lying. Additional notes in the post mention Jorge Masvidal and Bo Nickal both picking Sean Strickland over Khamzat Chimaev, and that UFC 327 fighters have earned 92 total bonuses collectively.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
