Topuria and Makhachev trade accusations over White House event bout

Ilia Topuria claimed he was informed hours before the White House card announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, only to be told shortly before the official reveal 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. In response, Makhachev said he is tired of hearing fabrications from Topuria and his team, stating he agreed to the White House fight but was told the next day that Topuria demanded a huge purse and was rejected. Makhachev insisted that Topuria refused the fight and that even Topuria's manager confirmed this. When a fan commented that it was 4 AM, Makhachev cryptically replied "Today it's not him," suggesting someone else was managing his account. The back-and-forth highlights deep disagreement between the camps about who is responsible for the fight not happening.