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 questioning his masculinity. The comment appears designed to provoke Topuria and generate attention on social media. This exchange adds to the apparent rivalry between the two fighters. The post notes the absurdity of the statement with laughing and shrugging emojis. No context is provided about what prompted this particular insult or whether it relates to any scheduled fight between them.
Arman Tsarukyan has taken his rivalry with Ilia Topuria to an unusual place, publicly questioning the former champion's masculinity over personal grooming habits in comments that circulated on social media on April 23.
Tsarukyan, ranked first in the lightweight division, claimed that Topuria "shaves his butt" while he himself does not, framing the distinction as grounds for calling Topuria "not a man." The remark appeared squarely aimed at provoking a reaction and amplifying attention around the two fighters' ongoing rivalry. No specific trigger for the comment was provided.
The 29-year-old Russian, who fights out of American Top Team, carries a 23-3 record and has established himself as one of the most dangerous grapplers in the 155-pound class. He averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes and connects on 50 percent of his significant strikes, landing 3.85 per minute.
Topuria, also 29, represents the other side of the lightweight picture. The Spain-based Georgian holds a 17-1 record, sits second in the divisional rankings, and currently occupies the top spot in the pound-for-pound standings. Known for his finishing ability, he lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy and adds 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes to his offensive arsenal.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan and Topuria are the two highest-ranked lightweights, making any friction between them relevant to a potential title contender clash
- The social media provocation keeps both names in the public conversation without a confirmed fight booking
- Their contrasting styles — Tsarukyan's wrestling volume versus Topuria's striking output — already provide a compelling matchup argument on paper
