Tsarukyan targets Topuria, vows minimum five title defenses; Merab clarifies relationship with Dagestani fighters

Arman Tsarukyan stated he wants Diego Lopes to lose so he can fight Ilia Topuria and "kick him out of the UFC," calling it his goal. Tsarukyan also declared he will only stop when he has a minimum of five UFC title defenses. Merab Dvalishvili clarified he has no problems with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, whom he simply dislikes, while emphasizing healthy competition exists between Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Topuria, who recently updated his chest tattoo, fired back at Tsarukyan with harsh words, calling him "incredibly stupid" and claiming Tsarukyan spends his father's money rather than his own, adding he would break Tsarukyan's jaw in the first round if they fought. Tsarukyan discussed potential fights with Alexander Volkanovski and outlined near-term prospects for Khamzat Chimaev. Demetrious Johnson predicted a confident victory for Chimaev over Sean Strickland, while Benoit Saint-Denis appeared to announce a bout with Paddy Pimblett by posting a roast beef image on social media. Additionally, Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with Baranyevski.