Topuria and Makhachev dispute who declined White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he knew hours before the White House event card announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but was told shortly before the announcement that Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he doesn't understand why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded that he is tired of Topuria's fabrications, claiming that he agreed to the fight when called but Topuria requested an enormous purse and was denied. Makhachev insisted that Topuria refused the bout and that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. The exchange has added more fuel to the ongoing dispute between the two champions about who is avoiding whom.