Topuria and Makhachev dispute White House event fight negotiations

Ilia Topuria claimed he was informed hours before the White House event announcement that he would face Islam Makhachev, only to be told shortly before the official reveal that Makhachev was injured and he would instead fight Justin Gaethje. Topuria expressed confusion about why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. Makhachev disputed this account on social media, stating he agreed to the White House bout but was told the next day that Topuria had requested an enormous purse and been denied. Makhachev accused Topuria of lying, noting even Topuria's manager confirmed this version. A fan commenting at 4 AM prompted Makhachev to clarify "Today this isn't him," suggesting Ali Abdelaziz wasn't managing his account at that moment. The conflicting narratives have created controversy over who actually declined the fight.