Arman Tsarukyan made controversial comments about Ilia Topuria, calling him "not a man" based on personal grooming habits. According to Tsarukyan, the reason is that Topuria shaves his backside while Tsarukyan does not. The comment appears to be part of ongoing verbal exchanges between the two fighters. Both compete in the lightweight and featherweight divisions respectively. The remark was shared on social media and has generated attention from MMA fans. This type of personal comment is typical of pre-fight trash talk in the sport.
Arman Tsarukyan has taken his rivalry with Ilia Topuria to a bizarre new level, publicly declaring that Topuria is "not a man" — and citing the Georgian-born Spanish star's personal grooming habits as his evidence. Specifically, Tsarukyan claimed that Topuria shaves his backside, a practice Tsarukyan made clear he does not share. The comments surfaced on social media and quickly drew attention across MMA circles.
Tsarukyan, known as "Ahalkalakets," carries a 23-3-0 record and sits at number one in the lightweight rankings. The 29-year-old Russian trains out of American Top Team and brings serious wrestling credentials to the division, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. He strikes at a clip of 3.85 significant strikes per minute with 50 percent accuracy, making him one of the more complete fighters in the 155-pound class.
Topuria, nicknamed "El Matador," holds a 17-1-0 record and is currently ranked second in lightweight while sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings at number one. The 29-year-old representing Spain trains with Climent Club and is listed at five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach. He lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy and adds 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes to his game, along with 1.1 submission attempts in the same window.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan and Topuria are the top two ranked lightweights, making any friction between them relevant to the division's title picture.
- The verbal jabs, however unusual, keep both fighters visible and sustain public interest in a potential matchup.
- Their near-identical size but contrasting styles — Tsarukyan's wrestling volume versus Topuria's finishing ability — make a future collision one of the most compelling lightweight bouts on paper.
