Topuria and Makhachev exchange conflicting accounts over cancelled White House fight

Ilia Topuria claims he went to sleep knowing he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, only to be called hours before the announcement and told Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he doesn't understand why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him and called the situation strange. Islam Makhachev countered by saying he agreed to the White House bout when contacted, but was told the next day that Topuria had requested a huge fee and was denied, leading to the fight falling through. Makhachev expressed frustration at what he called lies from Topuria and his team, claiming even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. When a fan jokingly suggested it was Ali Abdelaziz posting at 4 AM, Makhachev clarified "Today it's not him," indicating he was personally responding. The conflicting narratives leave the true reason for the fight cancellation unclear.