Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria dispute details of cancelled White House fight

Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria have contradicting accounts regarding their failed White House event bout. Topuria claims he was informed hours before the card announcement that he would fight Makhachev, but was later told Makhachev suffered an injury and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Makhachev countered that he agreed to the White House fight when offered, but was told the next day that Topuria requested an enormous purse and was denied, leading to the fight's cancellation. Makhachev accused Topuria and his team of lying, stating even Topuria's manager confirmed the financial dispute. The exchange occurred at 4 AM, with Makhachev clarifying it wasn't manager Ali Abdelaziz posting from his account. The public disagreement highlights the breakdown in negotiations for what would have been a highly anticipated champion versus champion matchup.