Arman Tsarukyan made controversial comments about Ilia Topuria, calling him "not a man" based on personal grooming habits. Specifically, Tsarukyan stated that Topuria "shaves his butt" while he does not, using this as justification for his insult. The comment appears to be part of ongoing tension or trash talk between the two fighters. Both Tsarukyan and Topuria compete in divisions where they could potentially face each other, making such social media exchanges notable for fans. The post was shared with laughing emojis, suggesting it may have been intended partially in jest, though it still represents public criticism of Topuria.
Arman Tsarukyan took aim at Ilia Topuria with an unusual piece of trash talk on April 23, declaring the former featherweight champion "not a man" — a judgment Tsarukyan based entirely on Topuria's personal grooming habits. Specifically, Tsarukyan claimed that Topuria "shaves his butt" while he himself does not, offering that distinction as his grounds for the insult. The post was shared with laughing emojis, suggesting at least some degree of tongue-in-cheek intent, though it still amounts to a public shot at his divisional rival.
Tsarukyan, 29, carries a 23-3-0 record and currently sits as the number-one ranked lightweight contender, representing Russia out of American Top Team. The five-foot-seven Armenian-Russian fighter owns a 72-inch reach advantage over much of the division and is one of its most active wrestlers, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes with 50 percent striking accuracy.
Topuria, also 29 and five-foot-seven, holds a 17-1-0 record and is ranked second at lightweight while simultaneously holding the number-one spot in the pound-for-pound rankings. Fighting out of Spain under the banner of Climent Club, "El Matador" lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and adds a submission threat with 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan and Topuria are ranked one and two respectively at lightweight, making any friction between them relevant to the division's title picture.
- A matchup between them would pit Tsarukyan's elite wrestling and reach against Topuria's high-volume striking and submission activity.
- The exchange adds public heat to what is already the lightweight division's most anticipated potential booking.
