Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev dispute claims over canceled White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he went to sleep knowing he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, but hours before the announcement, he was told Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he doesn't understand why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him and called him strange. 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 demanded a huge purse and was denied. Makhachev noted that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version, accusing Topuria of lying. A fan commented on the late-night social media activity, to which Makhachev replied cryptically "Today it's not him," suggesting someone else manages his account. The back-and-forth highlights ongoing tensions between the two champions.