Topuria and Machachev exchange conflicting accounts of failed White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he went to sleep expecting to fight Islam Machachev at the White House event after being told the bout would be announced, only to receive a call hours before the announcement that Machachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he doesn't know why Machachev doesn't want the fight, calling him "strange." Islam Machachev countered by saying he's tired of lies from Topuria's team, claiming he agreed to the White House fight when offered but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge purse and was denied. Machachev accused Topuria of knowing he turned down the fight and insisted even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. In a notable detail, when a fan commented at 4 AM telling Ali to go to sleep, Machachev replied "Today it's not him," suggesting he was personally managing his account. The conflicting accounts leave the truth of what happened unclear.