Topuria and Makhachev dispute details of White House event fight negotiations

Ilia Topuria claimed he went to sleep knowing he would be announced to fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, but hours before the announcement was told Makhachev was injured and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Islam Makhachev responded by saying he accepted the White House fight offer but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was declined, with Topuria's own manager allegedly confirming this version. Makhachev stated he is tired of hearing fabrications from Topuria and his team, insisting Topuria refused the fight. In a notable exchange, when a fan pointed out it was 4 AM and Makhachev should sleep, the fighter clarified "today it's not him" managing his account. The conflicting accounts have sparked significant debate about which side is telling the truth.