Topuria and Makhachev trade accusations over failed White House event matchup

Ilia Topuria claimed he went to sleep knowing he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, but was told hours before the announcement that Makhachev suffered an injury and he would fight Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he doesn't understand why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded by calling Topuria's version fabricated, stating he accepted the White House fight when offered but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge purse and was denied. Makhachev insisted Topuria refused the fight and accused him of lying, noting even Topuria's manager confirmed the financial dispute. When a fan joked about the late-night response, Makhachev clarified he wasn't personally managing his account at that moment.