Topuria unleashes on Tsarukyan, calls him 'incredibly stupid' and threatens to break jaw

Ilia Topuria launched a scathing verbal attack on Arman Tsarukyan, calling him "incredibly dumb" and a "complete idiot." Topuria said everything he has seen about Tsarukyan online is "complete cringe" and dismissed him as not being on his level. The featherweight champion threatened to break Tsarukyan's jaw in the first round if they meet in the octagon, adding that Tsarukyan isn't even rich and spends his father's money rather than his own. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan stated he wants Diego Lopes to miss weight so he can fight Topuria and "kick him out of the UFC," adding that he won't stop until he has at least five UFC title defenses. Tsarukyan also discussed a potential bout with Alexander Volkanovski and outlined prospects for Khamzat Chimaev. Separately, Merab Dvalishvili said he has no problems with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, whom he simply dislikes, while emphasizing healthy competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya and Dagestan. Demetrious Johnson predicted a convincing victory for Chimaev over Sean Strickland, and Benoit Saint-Denis appeared to announce a fight with Paddy Pimblett by posting a roast beef dish. Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with an opponent named Baranyevski.