Topuria and Makhachev dispute who rejected White House fight, trading accusations

Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev are publicly disputing who is responsible for their fight not happening at the White House event. Topuria claims he went to bed knowing he would fight Makhachev, but hours before the announcement was told Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Makhachev responded that he accepted the White House fight offer immediately, but Topuria requested a massive fee and was denied, with Topuria's own manager allegedly confirming this version. Makhachev accused Topuria of lying and stated "it's not him" posting at 4 AM when a fan suggested Ali Abdelaziz was managing his account. The exchange highlights the ongoing tension and conflicting narratives between the two camps. Both fighters are accusing the other side of dishonesty regarding the failed negotiation.