Topuria and Makhachev trade accusations over failed White House bout

Ilia Topuria claims he was initially scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event but the Russian withdrew hours before the announcement due to injury. Topuria states he went to bed knowing the fight was set and woke up to news he would instead face Justin Gaethje. However, Makhachev disputes this account, saying he agreed to the fight but was told the next day that Topuria requested an enormous purse and was denied. Makhachev insisted Topuria's manager confirmed this version and accused the Georgian-Spanish fighter of lying. The back-and-forth reveals significant tension between the lightweight champion and featherweight champion. Both fighters continue to publicly disagree about who was responsible for the bout falling through.