Arman Tsarukyan stated he hopes Justin Gaethje misses weight so he could 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. Meanwhile, Merab Dvalishvili clarified he has no problems with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, whom he dislikes, emphasizing healthy competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Topuria harshly criticized Tsarukyan, calling him "incredibly stupid" and claiming he would break his jaw in the first round if they fought, also mocking him for spending his father's money rather than his own. Additional news includes Demetrious Johnson predicting Chimaev's victory over Sean O'Malley, Benoit Saint-Denis posting a roast beef photo seemingly announcing a fight with Pimblett, and Bogdan Guskov declining a bout with an opponent.
