Topuria and Makhachev dispute White House event fight negotiations

Ilia Topuria claims he was told he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event but was informed hours before the announcement that Makhachev suffered an injury and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria stated he doesn't understand why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Islam Makhachev responded by calling Topuria's claims lies, saying he agreed to the White House fight but was told Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev stated that Topuria's own manager confirmed this version and accused Topuria of refusing the fight. A fan commented on the late-night social media exchange, and Makhachev replied that it wasn't his manager Ali Abdelaziz posting at that hour. The back-and-forth highlights ongoing tensions between the two champions regarding who is responsible for their fight not materializing.