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 buttocks while he does not. The comment appears to be part of ongoing social media banter or trash talk between the two fighters. The nature of the comment suggests either playful mockery or more serious provocation. Details beyond this specific statement are limited in the original post.
Arman Tsarukyan took aim at Ilia Topuria this week with an eyebrow-raising piece of trash talk, claiming the former featherweight champion is "not a man" — his reasoning being that Topuria shaves his buttocks, something Tsarukyan says he does not do himself.
The comment, which surfaced on social media, is the latest salvo between two fighters who appear to be circling each other with increasing intensity. Whether it was playful mockery or a more deliberate provocation is open to interpretation, but Tsarukyan left little ambiguity about his intent to get under his rival's skin.
Tsarukyan, 29, carries a 23-3 record and currently sits as the number-one ranked lightweight contender. The Russian fighter out of American Top Team stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach and averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the more complete threats in the 155-pound division.
Topuria, also 29, holds a 17-1 record and is ranked number two at lightweight after moving up from featherweight. The Spain-based Georgian, known as "El Matador," currently sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings and trains out of Climent Club. He lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and has shown a well-rounded game that includes 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender and Topuria the number-two, meaning a matchup between them would have immediate title implications in one of the UFC's most competitive divisions.
- The ongoing verbal exchanges keep both fighters in the public conversation as they jostle for positioning.
- A striking-heavy orthodox versus orthodox matchup with contrasting physical tools — Tsarukyan holds a three-inch reach advantage despite identical heights — would present a compelling stylistic puzzle.
