Tsarukyan targets Topuria, wants five title defenses; Merab clarifies relations

Arman Tsarukyan stated he wants Justin Gaethje to miss weight so he can fight 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 UFC title defenses. Merab Dvalishvili clarified he has no problems with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, whom he dislikes, while emphasizing healthy competition exists between fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Topuria, who recently updated his chest tattoo, called Tsarukyan extremely stupid and "a complete idiot," claiming Arman spends his father's money rather than his own and promised to break his jaw in the first round if they fight. Tsarukyan discussed a potential bout with Alexander Volkanovski and outlined future prospects for Khamzat Chimaev. Demetrious Johnson predicted a confident victory for Chimaev over Sean Strickland, while Benoit Saint-Denis appeared to announce a fight with Paddy Pimblett by posting roast beef (an English dish) on social media. Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with Baranyevski.