Topuria and Makhachev exchange conflicting accounts of White House fight talks

Ilia Topuria claimed he was told hours before the White House event announcement that he would face Islam Makhachev, but was later informed Makhachev had suffered an injury and he would fight Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria expressed confusion about why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded by stating he agreed to the White House bout when offered, but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was declined. Makhachev accused Topuria and his team of lying, noting that even Topuria's manager confirmed the financial demands. In an unusual exchange, when a fan commented at 4 AM telling Makhachev to sleep, Makhachev replied "Today it's not him," suggesting someone else was managing his account. The conflicting narratives have left fans debating which fighter is telling the truth.