Tsarukyan targets Topuria, Merab discusses Dagestani fighters, Topuria fires back

Arman Tsarukyan stated he wants Justin Gaethje to lose so he can fight Ilia Topuria and remove him from the UFC, aiming for at least five title defenses. Merab Dvalishvili claimed he has no issues with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, emphasizing healthy competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Topuria responded harshly to Tsarukyan's comments, calling him unintelligent and promising to break his jaw in the first round if they fight. Benoit Saint-Denis hinted at a fight with Paddy Pimblett by posting roast beef on social media. Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with Bartosz Baraniewski, and Demetrious Johnson predicted a decisive Chimaev victory over Sean Strickland.