Tsarukyan vows to remove Topuria from UFC; Merab and Ilia trade barbs

Arman Tsarukyan stated he would like Justin Gaethje to lose so he can fight Ilia Topuria and remove him from the UFC, declaring he will not stop until he has at least five UFC title defenses. Merab Dvalishvili said he has no problems with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, emphasizing healthy competition among Caucasian and Central Asian athletes. Ilia Topuria, who recently updated his chest tattoo, harshly criticized Tsarukyan, calling him unintelligent and saying he would break his jaw in the first round if they fought. Tsarukyan also discussed a potential fight with Alexander Volkanovski and outlined prospects for Khamzat Chimaev. Additionally, Demetrious Johnson predicted a confident victory for Chimaev over Sean Strickland, and Benoit Saint-Denis announced a bout with Paddy Pimblett by posting roast beef on social media.