Arman Tsarukyan wants to fight Topuria if Gaethje pulls out, targets five title defenses

Arman Tsarukyan has stated he would welcome a fight with Ilia Topuria if Justin Gaethje were to withdraw from a scheduled bout, saying his goal is to knock Topuria out of the UFC. Tsarukyan also set an ambitious target of at least five title defenses before considering his mission complete. Meanwhile, Merab Dvalishvili commented on regional relations, noting he has no issues with fighters from Dagestan except Umar Nurmagomadov. Topuria responded harshly to Tsarukyan's comments, 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 (an English dish) on social media, and Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with an unnamed opponent.