Topuria and Makhachev clash over conflicting accounts of White House bout

Illia Topuria and Islam Makhachev have publicly disputed the circumstances that prevented their planned White House event bout from materializing. Topuria claimed he was told just hours before the official announcement that he would fight Makhachev, but was then informed Makhachev had suffered an injury and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. The Spanish fighter expressed confusion about why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev countered by stating he agreed to the fight when offered, but was told the next day that Topuria requested an enormous purse and was denied, with even Topuria's manager allegedly confirming this version. Makhachev, posting at 4 AM, also clarified that someone else was managing his account at that moment. The conflicting narratives have left fans debating who is telling the truth about the failed matchup.