Arman Tsarukyan made provocative comments about UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, calling him "not a man" based on personal grooming habits. The Armenian lightweight contender stated that Topuria shaves his buttocks while Tsarukyan does not, using this as the basis for his comment. The remark appears to be part of ongoing banter or rivalry between the two fighters, though no fight between them has been scheduled or rumored. Tsarukyan is known for his outspoken personality and willingness to engage in verbal exchanges with other fighters. The comment was shared on social media and drew attention from MMA fans. Neither fighter has been matched against each other, as they compete in different weight classes.
Arman Tsarukyan has taken his rivalry with Ilia Topuria into unusual territory, publicly questioning the featherweight champion's masculinity over personal grooming choices in comments that circulated widely on social media.
Tsarukyan, who competes at lightweight and holds the number-one contender ranking in that division, made the pointed remark by claiming Topuria shaves his buttocks — something Tsarukyan said he does not do — and declared that this distinction made Topuria "not a man." The Armenian-born fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, carries a record of 23 wins and 3 losses and has established himself as one of the most dangerous challengers in the 155-pound weight class. The 29-year-old is known for an aggressive, well-rounded game that includes 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes and a striking accuracy of 50 percent.
Topuria, meanwhile, holds the pound-for-pound number-one ranking and sits at number two in the lightweight division after moving up from featherweight. The Spain-based Georgian-born fighter is 17-1-0 and has built his reputation on sharp offensive output, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute with a 69-inch reach at five-foot-seven. He is 29 years old and trains with Climent Club.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, and Topuria is ranked second in the same division, making a future matchup a genuine possibility.
- The verbal jab adds an interpersonal edge to what could become one of the more compelling title fights in the lightweight picture.
- The two fighters share the same age, height, and orthodox stance, making any eventual meeting between them a closely mirrored stylistic puzzle.
No fight between the two has been scheduled or reported to be in negotiation, and they have not previously competed against one another.
