Topuria and Makhachev exchange conflicting accounts of failed super-fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he was told hours before the White House UFC announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but Makhachev reportedly pulled out with an injury and Topuria was matched with Justin Gaethje instead. Makhachev responded by stating he accepted the White House fight offer but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied, with Topuria's manager allegedly confirming this. Makhachev insisted Topuria refused the fight and knows it. The exchange highlights the ongoing public dispute between the two champions over who is responsible for their super-fight not materializing. Jorge Masvidal and Chase Hooper both picked Sean Strickland over Khamzat Chimaev in their upcoming bout, with Masvidal criticizing Chimaev's style. Dricus Du Plessis stated Israel Adesanya was his most technical opponent, while Sean Strickland and Brad Tavares were his toughest, notably leaving Chimaev off the list since he doesn't consider their brief encounter a real fight.