Several fighters have made notable statements in recent media appearances. Arman Tsarukyan stated he wants Diego Lopes 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. Merab Dvalishvili clarified he has no problems with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, stating he simply doesn't like him, while emphasizing that Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan all have hardworking people engaged in healthy competition. Topuria, who recently updated his chest tattoo, called Tsarukyan stupid and claimed Tsarukyan spends his father's money, threatening to break his jaw in the first round. Benoit Saint-Denis announced a fight with Paddy Pimblett by posting roast beef (an English dish) on social media. Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with Baraniewski, and Demetrious Johnson predicted Khamzat Chimaev would defeat Sean Strickland confidently.
