Topuria and Makhachev Offer Conflicting Accounts of White House Fight Negotiations

Ilia Topuria claimed he was told he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, but hours before the announcement was informed Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Islam Makhachev disputed this account, stating he agreed to the fight but was told the next day that Topuria requested an enormous fee and was denied, leading to the bout falling through. Makhachev insisted Topuria knows he turned down the fight and should stop lying. When a fan commented that it was 4 AM and suggested manager Ali Abdelaziz was posting, Makhachev replied that it was not Ali posting. The conflicting narratives leave the truth about the failed negotiations unclear.