Arman Tsarukyan targets Topuria, Merab discusses Dagestan relations

Multiple fighters have made statements in recent interviews. Arman Tsarukyan stated he wants Diego Lopes to withdraw 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 problems with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, emphasizing healthy competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Topuria, who updated his chest tattoo, responded harshly to Tsarukyan, calling him unintelligent and predicting he would break his jaw in the first round if they fight. Additionally, Tsarukyan discussed a potential fight with Alexander Volkanovski and outlined prospects for Khamzat Chimaev, while Demetrious Johnson predicted a confident victory for Chimaev over Sean Strickland, and Benoit Saint-Denis appeared to call out Paddy Pimblett on social media.