Arman Tsarukyan targets Topuria, wants five title defenses

Arman Tsarukyan stated he wants Michael Chandler to lose so he can fight Ilia Topuria and "throw him out of the UFC," calling it his goal. Tsarukyan also declared he won't stop until he has at least five title defenses in the UFC. Merab Dvalishvili clarified he has no issues with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, whom he dislikes, while emphasizing healthy competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Topuria, who recently updated his chest tattoo, called Tsarukyan extremely stupid and said if they meet in the octagon, he'll break his jaw in the first round. Benoit Saint-Denis announced a fight with Paddy Pimblett by posting roast beef (an English dish) on social media. Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with an opponent, and Demetrious Johnson predicted a confident victory for Khamzat Chimaev over Sean Strickland.