Topuria and Makhachev dispute details of failed White House fight negotiations

Ilia Topuria claimed he was informed hours before the White House card announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but was then told Makhachev suffered an injury and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he went to sleep knowing the Makhachev fight was scheduled but woke to news it was off. Islam Makhachev countered that he accepted the White House fight but was told Topuria requested an enormous purse and was denied, leading to the fight falling through. Makhachev accused Topuria and his team of lying, saying even Topuria's manager confirmed the financial demands. Makhachev also noted unusually that "today this is not him" posting on his account when a fan commented at 4am. The back-and-forth highlights conflicting accounts of why the highly anticipated lightweight vs featherweight superfight did not materialize.