Arman Tsarukyan made an unusual and provocative comment about Ilia Topuria, stating that he considers Topuria "not a man" because, according to Tsarukyan, "He shaves his butt, and I don't." The remark appears to be part of an ongoing exchange between the two fighters on social media. The context and seriousness of the statement are unclear, as it could be either genuine trash talk or humorous banter between the lightweight contenders. Both fighters have been active in trading verbal jabs recently, and this comment adds another layer to their developing rivalry. No specific fight between the two has been announced, but their social media interactions continue to generate attention from fans.
Arman Tsarukyan has taken lightweight trash talk in an unexpected direction, publicly declaring that Ilia Topuria is "not a man" — and citing a very specific personal grooming reason to back up the claim. Tsarukyan stated that Topuria "shaves his butt, and I don't," delivering what appears to be the latest salvo in an ongoing social media exchange between the two fighters. Whether the remark was meant as genuine provocation or simply off-color banter remains unclear, but it has drawn fresh attention to a rivalry that has been building through a series of verbal jabs.
Tsarukyan, 29, is the number-one ranked lightweight in the UFC with a record of 23-3-0, fighting out of American Top Team for Russia. The southpaw-turned-orthodox grappler is one of the division's most dangerous wrestlers, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing significant strikes at a rate of 3.85 per minute with 50 percent accuracy.
Topuria, also 29, sits at number two in the lightweight rankings and holds the number-one spot in the pound-for-pound standings, carrying a 17-1-0 record and representing Spain out of Climent Club. Standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, "El Matador" is a well-rounded finisher who lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and adds a persistent submission threat, averaging 1.1 attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan and Topuria are the top two ranked lightweights, making any matchup between them an immediate title contender clash.
- Their ongoing social media back-and-forth suggests both men are interested in sharing the octagon, even if no bout has been formally announced.
- At identical heights and ages, with contrasting styles — Tsarukyan's wrestling volume versus Topuria's striking output and submission game — the stylistic matchup would be a legitimate divisional headliner.
