Arman Tsarukyan stated he wants Diego Lopes to pull out so he can fight Ilia Topuria, vowing to 'kick him out of the UFC.' Tsarukyan also declared he won't stop until he has at least five UFC title defenses. Merab Dvalishvili clarified he has no problems with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, saying he simply doesn't like that individual but respects the healthy competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Topuria, who recently updated his chest tattoo, called Tsarukyan 'incredibly stupid' and dismissed him as unworthy, claiming he would break Tsarukyan's jaw in the first round if they fought. Tsarukyan also discussed a potential fight with Alexander Volkanovski and outlined prospects for Khamzat Chimaev. Demetrious Johnson predicted a convincing victory for Chimaev over Sean Strickland. Benoit Saint-Denis teased a fight with Paddy Pimblett by posting a picture of roast beef (an English dish) on social media. Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with an opponent named Baranievski.
