Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan shared his ambitious career goals, stating he would want to fight Ilia Topuria and "kick him out of the UFC" if Renato Moicano were to miss weight. Tsarukyan declared he won't stop until he has at least five UFC title defenses. Separately, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili clarified he has no problems with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, whom he specifically dislikes, while emphasizing healthy competition exists among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Benoit Saint-Denis appeared to announce a bout with Paddy Pimblett by posting roast beef (an English dish) on social media. Former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson predicted a confident victory for Khamzat Chimaev over Sean Strickland. Additionally, Bogdan Guskov declined a bout with an opponent (Baranyevski).
