Topuria and Makhachev dispute who refused White House event fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event and went to sleep knowing the bout would be announced, but was told hours before the announcement that Makhachev had suffered an injury and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Islam Makhachev responded by calling Topuria's claims fabrications, stating he agreed to the White House fight but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev asserted that Topuria refused the fight and that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events. A fan noted the late-night exchange, prompting Makhachev to cryptically state "today it's not him," possibly suggesting someone else was managing his social media.