Makhachev and Topuria dispute who rejected White House fight

Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria have exchanged conflicting accounts about a proposed fight at the White House event. Topuria claimed he was informed hours before the White House card announcement that he would fight Makhachev, but was later told Makhachev sustained an injury and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria expressed confusion about why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev countered by stating he's tired of Topuria's fabrications, claiming he agreed to the White House fight when offered. According to Makhachev, the UFC told him the next day that Topuria requested a huge purse and was rejected, resulting in the fight falling through. Makhachev insisted that Topuria was the one who refused the bout and accused him of lying, stating even Topuria's manager confirmed this version of events.