Topuria and Makhachev dispute who rejected White House fight

Illia Topuria claimed he was informed hours before the White House event announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, only to be told shortly before the reveal that Makhachev was injured and he would face Gaethje instead. Topuria expressed confusion about why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev responded by calling Topuria's account fabricated, stating he agreed to the White House bout when offered but was told the next day that Topuria demanded an enormous fee and was rejected. Makhachev claimed even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. A fan commented on Makhachev's late-night post, to which Makhachev replied it wasn't actually him posting. The exchange highlights conflicting narratives about who turned down the high-profile matchup.