Topuria and Makhachev exchange conflicting accounts of White House fight negotiations

Illia Topuria and Islam Makhachev have offered contradictory versions of what happened with their proposed White House event fight. Topuria claims he went to bed knowing the fight with Islam was scheduled, only to be told hours before the announcement that Makhachev was injured and he would instead face Gaethje. He expressed confusion about why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded that he is tired of hearing fabrications from Topuria and his team, stating he agreed to the fight when offered but was then told Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev claimed even Topuria's manager confirmed this version, calling on the Georgian to stop lying. In a late-night social media post, Makhachev added a cryptic note saying "today it's not him," possibly suggesting someone else was managing his account. The conflicting narratives have left fans debating which fighter is telling the truth about the failed negotiations.