Topuria and Makhachev dispute story about White House fight cancellation

Ilia Topuria claimed he was originally scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev at a White House event but the fight fell through hours before the announcement due to Makhachev's injury. Topuria stated he went to sleep knowing he would fight Makhachev but was told the next day he would face Gaethje instead. Islam Makhachev responded by calling Topuria's account fabricated, stating that he accepted the White House fight but was told the next day that Topuria requested a massive fee and was denied. Makhachev insisted that Topuria refused the fight and that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. The conflicting accounts highlight ongoing tension between the lightweight champion and the featherweight champion over a potential superfight.