Tsarukyan targets Topuria, Merab dislikes Umar, Topuria fires back at Arman

A summary of recent fighter statements reveals escalating tensions across multiple divisions. Arman Tsarukyan expressed his desire to fight Ilia Topuria if Justin Gaethje withdraws, stating he wants to remove Topuria from the UFC and won't stop until he has at least five title defenses. Merab Dvalishvili clarified he has no issues with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, emphasizing that Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan all maintain friendly competition. Topuria responded harshly to Tsarukyan, calling him stupid and claiming he would break Arman's jaw in the first round if they fought. Additional news includes Tsarukyan discussing a potential Volkanovski fight, Demetrious Johnson predicting Khamzat Chimaev over Sean O'Malley, Benoit Saint-Denis posting roast beef to signal a Paddy Pimblett fight, and Bogdan Guskov declining a bout with Baranievski.