Topuria and Makhachev trade conflicting accounts of failed White House fight

Illia Topuria and Islam Makhachev have provided contradictory explanations for why their White House event fight fell through. Topuria claims he went to bed knowing the Makhachev fight was confirmed but received a call hours before the announcement saying Islam was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. He expressed confusion about why Makhachev doesn't want the fight. Makhachev countered that he accepted the White House bout immediately when offered, but the next day was told Topuria demanded an enormous purse and was denied. Makhachev stated even Topuria's manager confirmed this version and accused the Georgian of lying. In a late-night social media exchange, a fan joked about the 4 AM posting time, to which Makhachev cryptically replied "Today this is not him," suggesting someone else manages his account. The conflicting stories leave the true circumstances of the collapsed fight unclear.