Arman Tsarukyan vows to kick Topuria out of UFC, targets five title defenses

Arman Tsarukyan stated he would like Justin Gaethje to miss weight so he could fight Ilia Topuria and "kick him out of the UFC," calling it his goal. Tsarukyan also said he will only stop when he has at least five title defenses in the UFC. Merab Dvalishvili clarified he has no problems with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, whom he dislikes, but emphasized healthy competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Topuria, who updated his chest tattoo, called Tsarukyan stupid and said if they meet in the octagon he will break his jaw in the first round. Tsarukyan discussed a possible fight with Alexander Volkanovski and laid out near-term prospects for Khamzat Chimaev. Demetrious Johnson predicted a confident Chimaev victory over Sean Strickland. Benoit Saint-Denis hinted at a fight with Paddy Pimblett by posting a roast beef photo. Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with a Polish opponent.