Arman Tsarukyan took a shot at Ilia Topuria in comments that went viral on social media. The lightweight contender stated that Topuria is "not a man" because "he shaves his butt, and I don't." The bizarre and personal nature of the comment has generated significant attention. This remark continues the ongoing rivalry and trash talk between the two fighters. The comments were posted with laughing and shrugging emojis, suggesting Tsarukyan was making a joke, though the intent appears provocative.
Arman Tsarukyan continued his war of words with Ilia Topuria this week, taking aim at the lightweight contender with a comment that quickly spread across social media. Tsarukyan declared that Topuria is "not a man" because, as he put it, "he shaves his butt, and I don't." The remarks, shared alongside laughing and shrugging emojis, appeared to be delivered in a joking tone, though the intent was clearly designed to provoke.
Tsarukyan, nicknamed "Ahalkalakets," carries a 23-3 record and sits as the number-one-ranked lightweight in the UFC at 29 years old. The Russian product of American Top Team is an aggressive, well-rounded fighter who averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands significant strikes at a rate of 3.85 per minute with 50 percent accuracy.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," holds a 17-1 record and is currently ranked second in the lightweight division, while also sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings at just 29 years of age. The Spain-based Georgian fighter is a dangerous finisher who averages 4.81 significant strikes per minute and attempts submissions at a rate of 1.1 per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan and Topuria are the top two ranked lightweights in the UFC, making any escalation between them relevant to the division's title picture
- The ongoing trash talk keeps both fighters in the public conversation as they pursue a potential matchup
- Tsarukyan's reach advantage of three inches, 72 inches to Topuria's 69, would be a notable physical factor if the two ever meet
