Arman Tsarukyan calls out Topuria, Merab discusses respect for Dagestani fighters

Arman Tsarukyan stated he would like to fight Ilia Topuria if Justin Gaethje pulls out, adding that his goal is to "kick Topuria out of the UFC" and secure at least five title defenses. Merab Dvalishvili said he has no issues with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, emphasizing that competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan is healthy. Ilia Topuria responded harshly to Tsarukyan's comments, calling him unintelligent and claiming he would break Tsarukyan's jaw in the first round if they fought. Additional news included Demetrious Johnson predicting a Khamzat Chimaev win over Sean Strickland, Benoit Saint-Denis teasing a fight with Paddy Pimblett via a social media post, and Bogdan Guskov declining a bout with an unnamed opponent.