Arman Tsarukyan wants to fight Topuria if Gaethje pulls out, targets 5 defenses

Arman Tsarukyan stated he would like Justin Gaethje to withdraw from his upcoming fight so he could face Ilia Topuria and 'kick 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. Meanwhile, 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, unleashed a harsh verbal attack on Tsarukyan, calling him 'incredibly stupid' and threatening to break his jaw in the first round if they fight. Demetrious Johnson predicted a confident victory for Khamzat Chimaev over Sean Strickland. Benoit Saint-Denis appeared to announce a fight with Paddy Pimblett by posting roast beef on social media. Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with Michal Baranyevski.