Topuria and Makhachev exchange claims over failed White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed that hours before the White House event announcement, he knew he would fight Islam Makhachev, but was told Makhachev got injured and he would face Gaethje instead. Topuria questioned why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Islam Makhachev responded by saying he's tired of hearing fabrications from Topuria and his team, stating that he agreed to the White House fight but was told Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev said it was Topuria who refused the fight, and that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two champions regarding who is responsible for the fight not materializing. Meanwhile, Dricus du Plessis discussed his toughest opponents, naming Adesanya as the most technical and Strickland and Tavares as the hardest hitters, notably excluding Chimaev.