Arman Tsarukyan made a provocative comment about Ilia Topuria, calling the UFC featherweight champion 'not a man' based on personal grooming choices. Specifically, Tsarukyan stated that Topuria shaves his buttocks while he does not. The comment appears to be either trash talk or humor aimed at the Georgian-Spanish fighter. Both fighters compete in the UFC's lighter weight classes and have been subjects of comparison and potential matchup discussions. This remark adds to the ongoing social media banter between fighters in the organization. The context and seriousness of the statement remain unclear.
Arman Tsarukyan took aim at Ilia Topuria this week with a pointed piece of trash talk, declaring the UFC's pound-for-pound number-one fighter "not a man" — citing, of all things, Topuria's personal grooming habits. Tsarukyan claimed that Topuria shaves his buttocks, while he himself does not, framing the distinction as a measure of masculinity.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," carries a 17-1-0 record and currently sits at number two in the lightweight division after what the verified rankings list as a pound-for-pound top position in the UFC. The 29-year-old fighting out of Spain lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and attempts 1.1 submissions per 15 minutes, making him one of the more well-rounded threats in the lighter weight classes. He stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach.
Tsarukyan, nicknamed "Ahalkalakets," is no less accomplished. The Russian fighter based out of American Top Team holds a 23-3-0 record and ranks first in the lightweight division. Also 29 years old, he shares Topuria's height but holds a notable three-inch reach advantage at 72 inches. Tsarukyan is particularly active in the grappling department, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, and connects on 50 percent of his significant strikes.
Why it matters
- Both men compete at lightweight and rank first and second in the division, making any escalating rivalry worth watching
- Tsarukyan's comment, whether humor or genuine needle-poking, keeps the two fighters in conversation ahead of any potential future matchup discussions
- The exchange reflects the broader social media back-and-forth culture that increasingly shapes UFC storylines between contenders
