Topuria and Makhachev dispute details of White House event negotiations

Ilia Topuria claimed he was initially scheduled to face Islam Makhachev at a White House event but was informed hours before the announcement that Makhachev had suffered an injury, leading to Justin Gaethje being named as his replacement. Makhachev responded by stating he accepted the fight offer but was told the next day that Topuria requested an excessive purse and was denied, with Topuria's manager allegedly confirming this version. Makhachev added a cryptic note that "today it's not him" managing his account, suggesting someone else posted the response. The conflicting accounts have created confusion about which side is being truthful. The public back-and-forth highlights the contentious nature of negotiations for this potential superfight.