Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev dispute claims over cancelled White House bout

A public disagreement erupted between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev regarding who was responsible for their fight falling through at the White House event. Topuria claimed he went to sleep knowing he would fight Islam, but was told hours before the announcement that Makhachev suffered an injury and he would instead face Justin Gaethje. Makhachev countered these claims, stating he accepted the White House fight offer but was informed the next day that Topuria demanded an excessive fee and was denied. Makhachev accused Topuria and his team of lying, noting even Topuria's manager confirmed the fee issue. When a fan commented on Makhachev's late-night posting at 4 AM, Islam responded cryptically that "today it's not him," suggesting someone else was managing his social media. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between two of the UFC's top pound-for-pound fighters.