Topuria and Makhachev dispute who rejected White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he was initially told he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, but hours before the announcement, he was informed Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria questioned why Makhachev does not want to fight him. Islam Makhachev responded that he is tired of hearing fabrications from Topuria and his team, stating 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 refused the bout and accused him of lying, noting even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. When a fan commented on Makhachev's late-night social media activity, Makhachev cryptically replied that it was not manager Ali Abdelaziz posting. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two champions.