Topuria claims Makhachev withdrew, Makhachev says Topuria demanded too much money

Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev have publicly disputed the reasons why their fight for the White House event fell through. Topuria stated he went to bed knowing he would fight Makhachev but was informed hours before the announcement that Makhachev suffered an injury, leading to him facing Gaethje instead. He expressed confusion about why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev countered that he accepted the White House fight but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge purse and was denied. Makhachev called Topuria and his team liars, stating that even Topuria's manager confirmed the money dispute. In response to a fan comment at 4am, Makhachev clarified "today this is not him," suggesting someone else may have been involved.