Topuria and Makhachev exchange conflicting claims about White House fight

Illia Topuria and Islam Makhachev have presented contradictory accounts of what transpired regarding their proposed fight at the White House event. Topuria claims he went to sleep knowing the fight with Makhachev was scheduled to be announced, but hours before the announcement, he was told Makhachev suffered an injury and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Makhachev responded by stating he accepted the White House fight offer, but the next day was told Topuria demanded an enormous purse and was denied. Makhachev accused Topuria and his team of lying, noting that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. The exchange, which took place at 4 AM, included Makhachev clarifying he was personally writing the responses. The conflicting narratives have left fans debating which fighter is telling the truth about who declined the matchup.