Tsarukyan wants Topuria fight, targets five title defenses; tensions rise

Arman Tsarukyan stated his desire to see Dustin Gaethje lose so he could fight Ilia Topuria and "kick him out of the UFC," declaring that as his primary goal. Tsarukyan also said he won't stop until he achieves at least five UFC title defenses. In response, Topuria heavily criticized Tsarukyan, calling him "incredibly stupid" and claiming he's just a child spending his father's money rather than his own earnings. Topuria vowed to break Tsarukyan's jaw in the first round if they ever meet in the octagon. Meanwhile, Merab Dvalishvili clarified that he has no problems with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, whom he specifically dislikes, while emphasizing healthy competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Tsarukyan also discussed a potential bout with Alexander Volkanovski and outlined near-term 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 on social media. Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with an opponent named Baranyevski.