Ilia Topuria claims he was told he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, but hours before the announcement Makhachev withdrew due to injury and Topuria was matched with Gaethje instead. Islam Makhachev disputes this, stating he agreed to the fight but was told Topuria demanded a huge purse and was denied. Makhachev insists Topuria refused the bout and accuses him of lying. Meanwhile, Jorge Masvidal and Orion Cosce have both backed Sean Strickland to defeat Khamzat Chimaev, with Masvidal criticizing Chimaev's grappling-heavy style.
