Topuria and Makhachev dispute claims over White House event fight cancellation

Ilia Topuria claimed he went to sleep expecting a fight with Islam Makhachev at the White House event, only to be told hours before the announcement that Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria questioned why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded by stating he agreed to the White House bout when contacted, but the next day was told Topuria requested a massive fee and was denied. Makhachev insisted Topuria refused the fight and that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. In a curious exchange, when a fan commented that it was 4 AM and Ali should go to sleep, Makhachev replied "Today it's not him," suggesting someone else was managing his account. The conflicting narratives leave the truth unclear.