Topuria and Makhachev dispute details of cancelled White House fight

Ilia Topuria claims he was informed hours before the White House card announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but received a call just before the official reveal saying Makhachev was injured and he would face Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he doesn't understand why Makhachev won't fight him. In response, Makhachev refuted these claims, saying he agreed to the White House fight but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev insisted Topuria is lying and that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. In a curious social media exchange, when a fan told Makhachev it was 4 AM and to go to sleep, the champion replied "Today it's not him," suggesting someone else was managing his account. The dispute continues to generate confusion about who actually declined the super-fight.