Arman Tsarukyan targets Topuria, Merab discusses Umar, Topuria fires back

Multiple top UFC fighters have engaged in verbal exchanges across social media. Arman Tsarukyan stated he wants Justin Gaethje to pull out so he can fight Ilia Topuria and "throw him out of the UFC," adding he 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 fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan generally maintain friendly competition. Topuria responded harshly to Tsarukyan, calling him unintelligent and claiming he would break his jaw in the first round if they fought. Additionally, Benoit Saint-Denis announced a fight with Paddy Pimblett by posting roast beef on social media, Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with Baranievski, and Demetrious Johnson predicted a dominant Khamzat Chimaev victory over Sean Strickland.