Topuria and Makhachev exchange conflicting accounts of White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he went to sleep knowing he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, only to be informed hours before the announcement that Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria expressed confusion about why Makhachev doesn't want the fight. Makhachev countered by stating he accepted the White House fight when offered, but was told the next day that Topuria requested an enormous fee and was declined. Makhachev accused Topuria and his team of lying, noting even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. In a notable detail, when a fan commented at 4 AM telling "Ali" to sleep, Makhachev replied "it's not him today," suggesting someone else was managing his account. The conflicting narratives have created confusion about what actually transpired.