Arman Tsarukyan has called out Ilia Topuria in an unusual exchange, claiming Topuria is 'not a man' based on personal grooming choices. Specifically, Tsarukyan stated that Topuria shaves his buttocks while he himself does not. The comment appears to be a playful jab rather than serious criticism. This exchange adds to the ongoing banter between fighters in the lightweight and featherweight divisions. The post is light-hearted in nature and focuses on personal grooming rather than fight-related matters.
Arman Tsarukyan took aim at Ilia Topuria this week in one of the more unconventional exchanges the lightweight division has seen, questioning Topuria's masculinity based on an alleged personal grooming habit. Tsarukyan claimed that Topuria shaves his buttocks, adding that he himself does not — and that this distinction, in his view, makes Topuria "not a man." The comment reads as playful ribbing rather than genuine animosity.
Tsarukyan, nicknamed "Ahalkalakets," enters this exchange as the number-one ranked lightweight in the UFC. The 29-year-old Russian, who trains out of American Top Team, carries a record of 23-3-0. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate and is a formidable wrestler, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," currently sits at number two in the lightweight rankings and holds the number-one spot on the pound-for-pound list. The 29-year-old Spanish fighter, who represents Climent Club, holds a record of 17-1-0. He produces 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy and also mixes in nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat in any division.
Why it matters
- Both fighters occupy the top two spots in the lightweight rankings, meaning a future matchup carries title implications
- The ongoing banter between the two keeps their rivalry in the public eye even without a fight officially booked
- Their near-identical size — both five-foot-seven with orthodox stances — suggests a stylistically intriguing clash if they ever meet, with Tsarukyan's wrestling against Topuria's higher striking output
