Topuria and Makhachev dispute timeline of White House fight negotiations

Ilia Topuria claimed he knew he would fight Islam Makhachev and that the bout was to be announced at the White House event, but hours before the announcement he was told Makhachev was injured and he would face Gaethje instead. Islam Makhachev responded by calling Topuria's account fabricated, stating that he agreed to the White House fight but was then told Topuria demanded a huge fee and was refused, with Topuria's manager confirming this version. Makhachev told Topuria to stop lying and acknowledged that it was actually Topuria who declined the fight. The exchange occurred late at night, with a fan noting the unusual hour and Makhachev clarifying "today it's not him," suggesting someone else was managing his account. The public dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the two champions and conflicting narratives about who is avoiding whom.