Topuria and Makhachev dispute who rejected White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he was told hours before the White House card announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but received a call shortly before the reveal saying Makhachev was injured and he would instead face Gaethje. Topuria questioned why Makhachev does not want to fight him. Islam Makhachev responded by calling Topuria's version a fabrication, stating he accepted the White House bout but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev said even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. Under Makhachev's post, a fan joked about the late hour response, and Islam replied "It's not him today," seemingly referencing his manager Ali Abdelaziz. The exchange highlights an ongoing dispute about who actually turned down the potential superfight.