Topuria and Makhachev dispute who declined White House event fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he was told hours before the White House event announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but was later informed Makhachev was injured and he would face Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he doesn't know why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded that he accepted the White House fight but was told Topuria requested a huge purse and was denied, calling Topuria's claims lies. Makhachev added that "today it's not him" managing his social media account. Meanwhile, Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce predicted Sean Strickland to defeat Khamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal criticizing Chimaev's style. Dricus Du Plessis named Adesanya as his most technical opponent and Strickland and Tavares as his toughest, notably excluding Chimaev.