Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan made a provocative statement about featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, calling him "not a man." Tsarukyan's reasoning for the insult was an unusual personal grooming choice, stating that Topuria shaves his buttocks while Tsarukyan does not. The comment appears to be part of ongoing verbal exchanges between the fighters, delivered with humor as indicated by laughing emojis. The context and motivation for this specific callout were not elaborated upon in the brief post. This represents the latest in what seems to be a developing rivalry or at least public friction between the two fighters.
Arman Tsarukyan took a decidedly unconventional approach to trash talk on April 23, directing a pointed personal insult at Ilia Topuria and declaring the featherweight champion "not a man" — citing Topuria's alleged choice to shave his buttocks as the basis for the claim. Tsarukyan made clear he does not share that grooming habit. The comment, delivered alongside laughing emojis, appeared to be as much comedic provocation as genuine hostility, though it signals continued public friction between two of the sport's most prominent fighters.
Tsarukyan, known as "Ahalkalakets," carries a 23-3-0 record and sits as the number-one ranked lightweight contender. The 29-year-old Russian trains out of American Top Team and brings elite grappling pressure to go with his striking, averaging 3.26 takedowns per fifteen minutes alongside a 50 percent striking accuracy rate.
Topuria, fighting out of Spain under the nickname "El Matador," is currently ranked number one pound-for-pound in the sport and holds the number-two ranking at lightweight with a 17-1-0 record. Also 29, he is an aggressive finisher who lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and adds consistent submission threats, averaging 1.1 submission attempts per fifteen minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, making any friction with Topuria carry genuine divisional weight
- Both fighters compete at lightweight, putting them on a direct collision course in the rankings
- The exchange, however lighthearted in tone, keeps Tsarukyan's name publicly linked to Topuria as the division sorts out its next title picture
