Arman Tsarukyan made an unusual comment about Ilia Topuria, calling the Georgian-Spanish champion "not a man" based on personal grooming choices. According to Tsarukyan, the reason for this statement is that "he shaves his butt, and I don't." The lighthearted jab appears to be more playful banter than serious criticism. The post was shared with laughing emojis, suggesting the comment was meant humorously. No context was provided about what prompted this particular comparison or whether it is part of ongoing back-and-forth between the two fighters.
Arman Tsarukyan took a break from conventional trash talk on April 23, directing an eyebrow-raising jab at lightweight champion Ilia Topuria that had more to do with personal hygiene than fighting ability.
The Russian contender, known as "Ahalkalakets," declared Topuria "not a man" — and his reasoning was straightforward if unconventional: "he shaves his butt, and I don't." The comment was shared alongside laughing emojis, making clear Tsarukyan intended the remark as humor rather than genuine hostility. No explanation was offered for what prompted the comparison.
Tsarukyan is the number-one ranked lightweight in the UFC at 29 years old, carrying a record of 23-3-0 out of American Top Team. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he is one of the division's most complete threats, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes while connecting on 50 percent of his significant strikes.
Topuria, the man on the other end of the joke, holds the number-two divisional ranking and sits atop the pound-for-pound list at the same age of 29. Fighting out of Spain under the banner of Climent Club, "El Matador" owns a 17-1-0 record and lands significant strikes at a rate of 4.81 per minute with 48 percent accuracy. His reach of 69 inches is notably shorter than Tsarukyan's.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, making any public exchange with Topuria relevant to the division's title picture.
- Both fighters are 29 and share identical height, setting up a closely matched physical profile whenever they do meet.
- The playful tone suggests this is early banter rather than a formal callout, though the two are natural opponents given their rankings.
