Tsarukyan targets Topuria, Dvalishvili clarifies Dagestani relations

Arman Tsarukyan stated he would like Justin Gaethje to miss weight so he could fight Ilia Topuria and "kick him out of the UFC," adding 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, emphasizing healthy competition exists between Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Topuria, who recently updated his chest tattoo, called Tsarukyan "incredibly stupid" and "a complete embarrassment," claiming Arman spends his father's money rather than his own and threatening to break his jaw in the first round if they meet. Tsarukyan discussed a possible Volkanovski fight and outlined near-term prospects for Chimaev. Demetrious Johnson predicted a confident Chimaev victory over Strickland, while Benoit Saint-Denis seemingly announced a Pimblett fight by posting roast beef on social media. Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with Baranyevski.