Topuria and Makhachev give conflicting accounts of White House event fight cancellation

Ilia Topuria claimed he was told hours before the White House event announcement that he would fight Islam Makhachev, but was later informed Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria expressed confusion about why Makhachev doesn't want the fight. Islam Makhachev countered that he accepted the White House bout but was told Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied, with Topuria's manager allegedly confirming this. Makhachev told Topuria to stop lying, stating Topuria refused the fight. When a fan commented it was 4 AM, Makhachev clarified "it's not him today," suggesting someone else manages his account. Both fighters presented completely contradictory versions of events surrounding the canceled matchup.