Arman Tsarukyan called Ilia Topuria "not a man" and provided an unusual justification for the insult. According to Tsarukyan's statement, the reason is that "He shaves his butt, and I don't." The comment appeared to be made in a humorous tone, as indicated by the laughing emoji in the post. No context was provided about what prompted this particular exchange between the two fighters.
Arman Tsarukyan took a lighthearted jab at Ilia Topuria on social media, mocking the lightweight contender with an eyebrow-raising comment about personal grooming habits. Tsarukyan declared Topuria "not a man," and his reasoning was blunt: "He shaves his butt, and I don't." A laughing emoji accompanied the post, suggesting the remark was delivered in a humorous rather than hostile spirit. No context was offered to explain what triggered the exchange.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters this rivalry talk as the number-one ranked lightweight in the world, carrying a 23-3 record under the American Top Team banner. The Russian fighter stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach and has built his reputation on a smothering takedown game, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes while landing strikes at a 50 percent accuracy rate.
Topuria, also 29 and fighting out of Spain's Climent Club, sits at number two in the lightweight division and holds the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings. Known as "El Matador," he carries a 17-1 record and brings sharp offensive output, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute with a 69-inch reach. His submission threat adds another layer, with 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes rounding out an all-around skill set.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan and Topuria are the top two lightweights in the world, making any exchange between them — even a comedic one — a storyline with real divisional weight
- The back-and-forth adds fuel to what is already one of the most anticipated potential matchups in the 155-pound class
- Both fighters are orthodox and share the same height, pointing toward a closely contested stylistic puzzle if they ever meet inside the octagon
