Topuria and Makhachev dispute who rejected White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he was hours away from fighting Islam Makhachev at a White House event before being told Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he went to bed expecting the Makhachev fight but received a call changing his opponent just hours before the announcement. In response, Islam Makhachev denied the injury claim and said Topuria requested an enormous fee that was rejected, with even Topuria's manager allegedly confirming this version. Makhachev accused Topuria of lying and stated Topuria knows he was the one who turned down the fight. A fan noticed Makhachev responding at 4 AM, to which Makhachev cryptically replied "Today it's not him," possibly suggesting someone else manages his account. The post also mentions Jorge Masvidal and Dustin Poirier betting on Sean Strickland against Khamzat Chimaev.