Arman Tsarukyan Says Goal is to Remove Topuria from UFC, Wants 5 Title Defenses

Arman Tsarukyan stated he hopes Justin Gaethje pulls out so he can fight Ilia Topuria and "kick him out of the UFC," calling this his main goal. Tsarukyan 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, emphasizing healthy competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Topuria responded harshly to Tsarukyan, calling him "incredibly stupid" and claiming he would break his jaw in the first round, while criticizing him for spending his father's money rather than his own. 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 O'Malley, while Benoit Saint-Denis appeared to announce a fight with Paddy Pimblett by posting roast beef to social media. Bogdan Guskov declined a bout with an opponent.