Topuria and Makhachev exchange accusations over failed White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he went to bed knowing he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, only to be told hours before the announcement 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, calling the situation strange. Makhachev responded by saying he's tired of the fabrications from Topuria and his team, asserting that he agreed to the White House fight but was told the next day that Topuria demanded a huge purse and was denied. Makhachev insisted Topuria refused the fight and accused him of lying, noting that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. A fan commenting at 4 AM prompted Makhachev to clarify "today this is not him," suggesting someone else typically manages his social media. The conflicting accounts have created confusion about who actually turned down the high-profile matchup.