Topuria and Makhachev dispute who turned down White House fight

Ilia Topuria claims he was informed hours before the White House event announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but the bout fell through when Makhachev allegedly sustained an injury. Topuria says he went to sleep expecting the fight to be announced, only to receive a call saying he would face Justin Gaethje instead. However, Makhachev disputes this version of events, stating that he accepted the fight immediately when offered. According to Makhachev, UFC officials told him Topuria requested an enormous purse and was subsequently denied, leading to the fight's collapse. Makhachev insists Topuria's manager confirmed this account and accused the Georgian fighter of lying about the situation. The back-and-forth has created confusion about which fighter actually turned down the bout.