Topuria and Makhachev dispute story of cancelled White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he was informed hours before the White House event card announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, only to be told shortly before the official announcement that Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he doesn't know why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him and called him strange. In response, Islam Makhachev disputed this version of events, saying he agreed to the White House fight when offered, but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev accused Topuria and his team of lying, noting that even Topuria's manager confirmed his version of events. In a notable exchange, when a fan commented on Makhachev's late-night social media activity, the fighter cryptically responded "Today it's not him," suggesting his manager Ali Abdelaziz may have been posting. The conflicting accounts have added controversy to the lightweight and featherweight title picture.