Topuria and Makhachev dispute who pulled out of White House fight

Ilia Topuria claims he was set to fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event but received a call hours before the announcement saying Makhachev was injured and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria questioned why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded that he agreed to the White House fight but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev said Topuria refused the fight and accused him of lying, noting even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. The exchange represents an ongoing back-and-forth between the two champions about who is responsible for the fight not materializing. A fan noted the late-night timing of Makhachev's response, to which Makhachev replied it wasn't Ali Abdelaziz posting for him this time.