Tsarukyan wants Topuria fight, Merab dislikes only Umar among Dagestanis

Multiple UFC fighters made notable statements in recent interviews. Arman Tsarukyan stated he would like Justin Gaethje to pull out so he could fight and 'kick Topuria out of the UFC', and vowed to continue until he has at least five title defenses. Merab Dvalishvili said he has no problems with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, whom he dislikes, while emphasizing healthy competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya and Dagestan. Ilia Topuria, who updated his chest tattoo, called Tsarukyan 'incredibly stupid' and said he would break his jaw in the first round if they fought. Additional news included Benoit Saint-Denis posting a roast beef photo apparently challenging Paddy Pimblett, and Bogdan Guskov declining a fight with Baranyevski.