Tsarukyan wants to fight Topuria if Gaethje drops out, targets 5 title defenses

Arman Tsarukyan stated he would like Justin Gaethje to withdraw from his fight so he could face Ilia Topuria, with the goal of removing Topuria from the UFC. Tsarukyan declared he will only stop once he achieves at least five UFC title defenses. Merab Dvalishvili commented that he has no problems with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, whom he dislikes, while emphasizing healthy competition among athletes from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Ilia Topuria, who recently updated his chest tattoo, launched harsh criticism at Arman, calling him unintelligent and claiming Arman spends his father's money rather than his own. Topuria stated that if they meet in the octagon, he will break Arman's jaw in the first round. Additionally, Arman discussed a potential bout with Alexander Volkanovski and outlined near-term prospects for Khamzat Chimaev. Demetrious Johnson predicted a confident victory for Chimaev over Sean O'Malley. Benoit Saint-Denis appeared to announce a fight with Paddy Pimblett by posting roast beef on social media. Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with Adam Baranyevski.