Arman Tsarukyan has called Ilia Topuria "not a man" in comments that appear to be tongue-in-cheek trash talk. The reason given by Tsarukyan is unconventional: he claims Topuria shaves his buttocks while Tsarukyan does not. The post is presented with laughing emojis, suggesting this is meant as humorous banter rather than serious criticism. The details provided are limited to this specific comment about personal grooming habits. This appears to be part of ongoing social media exchanges between the two fighters.
Arman Tsarukyan has taken aim at Ilia Topuria in a decidedly unconventional piece of trash talk, posting comments on social media that mock the lightweight contender over his personal grooming habits. Tsarukyan declared Topuria "not a man," citing the claim that Topuria shaves his buttocks — while Tsarukyan, presumably, does not. The post was accompanied by laughing emojis, making clear the comments were intended as humor rather than genuine provocation.
Tsarukyan, nicknamed "Ahalkalakets," carries a record of 23 wins and 3 losses and currently sits at number one in the UFC lightweight rankings. The 29-year-old Russian trains out of American Top Team and brings a physically demanding style to the cage, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes with a striking accuracy of 50 percent.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," is the man Tsarukyan most wants to dethrone. The 29-year-old fighting out of Spain holds a 17-1-0 record and ranks second in the division, while simultaneously sitting atop the pound-for-pound rankings. Standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, Topuria lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and has shown a willingness to seek finishes through multiple avenues, averaging 1.96 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the number-one ranked lightweight challenger, making any exchange between these two loaded with divisional significance
- The banter reflects an ongoing social media back-and-forth between two fighters who appear on a collision course at 155 pounds
- Both men are 29 years old, identical in height, and deeply familiar with each other's public personas, adding a personal edge to even lighthearted jabs
