Arman Tsarukyan stated he would like Justin Gaethje to pull out so he can fight Ilia Topuria and "kick him out of the UFC," adding he won't stop until he has at least five title defenses. Topuria responded harshly, calling Tsarukyan "incredibly stupid" and a "fucking child" who spends his father's money, not his own, and promised to break his jaw in the first round if they meet. Merab Dvalishvili commented that he has no issues with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, emphasizing healthy competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. The post also mentions Benoit Saint-Denis announced a fight with Paddy Pimblett by posting roast beef on social media, and that Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with Bartosz Baraniewski.
Arman Tsarukyan made headlines this week by publicly calling for Ilia Topuria's next opponent Justin Gaethje to withdraw so he can step in, face the lightweight champion, and, in his words, kick him out of the UFC. Tsarukyan added he intends to make at least five title defenses once he captures the belt.
Topuria, ranked second in the lightweight division and first in the pound-for-pound standings at 17-1-0, was quick to fire back. The 29-year-old Spaniard dismissed Tsarukyan as "incredibly stupid" and a "fucking child" spending his father's money, and promised to break his jaw inside the first round if the two ever share the octagon. Topuria lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute with a submission rate that rounds out a well-balanced offensive game.
Also weighing in was bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili, who stated he holds no personal issues with fighters from Dagestan aside from Umar Nurmagomedov. The Russian bantamweight, ranked second at 20-1-0, is 30 years old and competes under Eagles MMA. Dvalishvili framed his comments around healthy competition among fighters representing Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan rather than any deeper animosity.
Elsewhere, Benoit Saint-Denis signaled an upcoming bout with Paddy Pimblett through a social media post featuring roast beef, a nod to the Liverpool native's English roots. Pimblett, ranked sixth at lightweight with a 23-4-0 record, is 31 years old and fights out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool. He averages 5.49 significant strikes per minute and carries a submission threat with 1.2 attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- A Tsarukyan-Topuria matchup would determine who controls the lightweight division for the foreseeable future, with both men positioned as the two premier contenders or titleholders in the weight class.
- Topuria's public rebuke raises the personal stakes of any potential negotiation, making a future booking more combustible.
- A confirmed Saint-Denis versus Pimblett fight would have significant ranking implications at lightweight, where Pimblett currently sits sixth.
- Dvalishvili's comments highlight the growing regional rivalry dynamic shaping the bantamweight and broader UFC landscape.
