Arman Tsarukyan stated he would like Ilia Topuria's opponent to withdraw so he could fight Topuria and "kick him out of the UFC," calling it his goal. 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, whom he simply dislikes, while emphasizing healthy competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Topuria fired back at Tsarukyan with harsh insults, calling him unintelligent and claiming he's not wealthy but spending his father's money. Topuria promised to break Tsarukyan's jaw in the first round if they meet. Tsarukyan also discussed a potential bout with Alexander Volkanovski and outlined prospects for Khamzat Chimaev. Demetrious Johnson predicted a confident victory for Chimaev over Sean Strickland, while Benoit Saint-Denis announced a fight with Paddy Pimblett. Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with an unspecified opponent.
