Topuria and Makhachev dispute who rejected White House event fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he was informed hours before the White House event announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, only to be told Makhachev suffered an injury and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria expressed confusion about why Makhachev doesn't want the fight, calling him "strange." Islam Makhachev responded by saying he agreed to the White House bout when contacted, but was told the next day that Topuria requested a massive fee and was denied. Makhachev stated Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events and accused the Georgian of lying. When a fan commented at 4 AM suggesting it was manager Ali Abdelaziz posting, Makhachev replied "Today it's not him," implying he was personally managing his social media. The conflicting accounts leave uncertainty about which side is telling the truth regarding the failed matchup negotiations.