Topuria and Makhachev dispute who rejected White House event fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he went to sleep knowing he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, but hours before the announcement was told Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria expressed confusion about why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Islam Makhachev responded that he accepted the White House fight offer, but the next day was told Topuria requested an enormous fee and was turned down. Makhachev stated that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version, and accused Topuria of lying. A fan pointed out that Makhachev's response was posted at 4 AM, to which Makhachev replied "Today it's not him," suggesting Ali Abdelaziz was not managing his social media at that moment. The conflicting accounts leave the true reason for the fight falling through unclear.