Topuria and Makhachev trade conflicting accounts of failed White House bout

Illia Topuria claimed he was informed he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event and went to sleep expecting the announcement, only to be told hours before the official reveal that Makhachev was injured and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Topuria stated he doesn't understand why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him, calling the situation strange. In response, Makhachev stated he's tired of the fabrications from Topuria's team, claiming he agreed to the White House fight when offered, but was told the next day that Topuria demanded a huge purse and was denied. Makhachev insisted that Topuria refused the fight and that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. When a fan jokingly suggested manager Ali Abdelaziz was posting at 4 AM, Makhachev replied that it wasn't Ali posting this time, implying he was personally responding.