Topuria and Makhachev dispute who pulled out of White House event fight

Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev have engaged in a public dispute over who is responsible for their fight not materializing at the White House event. Topuria claimed he went to bed knowing he would fight Makhachev, but hours before the announcement, he was told Islam suffered an injury and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he doesn't understand why Makhachev doesn't want the fight. In response, Makhachev accused Topuria and his team of lying, stating he agreed to the fight when offered but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev insisted Topuria's manager confirmed this version and challenged him to stop lying. The exchange highlights ongoing tension between the lightweight champion and featherweight champion. When a fan commented on Makhachev's late-night social media activity, Islam clarified "Today this is not him," suggesting Ali Abdelaziz typically manages his account.