Topuria and Makhachev dispute who declined White House event fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he went to bed knowing he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, but was informed hours before the announcement that Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he doesn't understand why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded by saying he's tired of Topuria's lies, claiming he agreed to the White House fight when offered, but the next day was told Topuria requested an enormous fee and was denied. Makhachev accused Topuria of being the one who refused the fight. In a late-night social media exchange, a fan suggested it was manager Ali Abdelaziz posting, but Makhachev replied "Today it's not him," implying he was personally responding. The contradictory accounts have left the MMA community debating who is telling the truth.