Arman Tsarukyan calls Topuria 'stupid'; Merab on Dagestani fighters

Arman Tsarukyan stated he wants Justin Gaethje to miss weight so he can fight Ilia Topuria and "throw him out of the UFC," calling it his goal. He vowed to continue 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 that Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan share hardworking values and friendly competition. Topuria, who recently updated his chest tattoo, called Tsarukyan "incredibly stupid" and "a complete moron," saying Tsarukyan is not wealthy and spends his father's money, adding he would break Tsarukyan's jaw in the first round if they fought. Additionally, Demetrious Johnson predicted a confident victory for Khamzat Chimaev over Sean Strickland, and Benoit Saint-Denis appeared to announce a fight with Pimblett by posting a roast beef image on social media.