Topuria and Makhachev trade accusations over scrapped White House fight

Ilia Topuria claims he was set to fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event but was told hours before the announcement that Makhachev was injured and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria stated he went to bed knowing the Makhachev fight was happening but received a last-minute call about the change. In response, Makhachev said he agreed to the fight when contacted but was told the next day that Topuria requested an enormous fee and was refused. Makhachev accused Topuria of lying and said even Topuria's manager confirmed the fee issue. The exchange highlights ongoing tension between the featherweight champion and lightweight champion over a potential superfight.