Topuria and Makhachev dispute who rejected White House fight offer

Ilia Topuria claims he was set to fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event but hours before the announcement, he was told Makhachev was injured and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria questioned why Makhachev does not want to fight him, calling the situation strange. Islam Makhachev responded by saying he is tired of Topuria's fabrications, asserting that he agreed to the White House fight but Topuria requested an enormous purse and was refused. Makhachev stated that Topuria's own manager confirmed this version, adding that Topuria turned down the bout. The exchange has become a public disagreement over which fighter actually declined the proposed matchup. A fan commented on Makhachev's late-night post, prompting Islam to clarify he was not the one posting.