Arman Tsarukyan made controversial comments about Ilia Topuria, calling him "not a man" based on personal grooming practices. According to Tsarukyan, the reason for this assessment is that "he shaves his butt, and I don't." The comment appears to be part of ongoing verbal exchanges between the two fighters. The post presents this as a humorous or provocative statement from Tsarukyan, though the context of the original interview or statement is not provided in detail.
Arman Tsarukyan has taken an unusual shot at Ilia Topuria, declaring the lightweight contender "not a man" — and his reasoning had nothing to do with what happens inside the octagon.
Tsarukyan's assessment rested on a single, blunt distinction: "He shaves his butt, and I don't." The remark, delivered with characteristic directness, appears to be the latest salvo in an ongoing verbal back-and-forth between two of the lightweight division's most prominent figures.
Tsarukyan, known as "Ahalkalakets," enters this exchange as the number-one ranked lightweight in the world. The 29-year-old Russian, who trains out of American Top Team, carries a record of 23-3-0 and is one of the division's most complete fighters. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate, while also averaging an impressive 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a genuine threat across all phases.
On the other side, Ilia Topuria — "El Matador" — holds the number-two lightweight ranking and sits at the top of the pound-for-pound list. The 29-year-old Spain-based Georgian carries a 17-1-0 record and fights out of Climent Club. Standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, Topuria lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute with 48 percent accuracy, and has demonstrated consistent finishing ability throughout his career.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan and Topuria are the two top-ranked lightweights in the world, making any tension between them significant for the division
- Their rivalry, whether verbal or competitive, directly shapes the landscape at 155 pounds
- The contrast in styles — Tsarukyan's high-volume grappling versus Topuria's striking output — makes a potential matchup between them one of the most anticipated in the division
