Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has revealed that the UFC recently sent him an unexpected bonus payment of $42,000. The Armenian fighter stated he didn't understand what the payment was for, as the UFC typically doesn't explain such bonuses. Tsarukyan speculated it might be related to his social media activity or engagement. He jokingly added that he didn't ask for details because his manager might then claim a percentage of the bonus. The post also mentions that Carlos Prates and Jack Della Maddalena had their first face-off, with Prates appearing notably large for the welterweight division. Additionally, Shamil Gaziev reportedly weighed around 140 kg, significantly above his 120 kg weight class, with limited time to cut weight before his fight in Australia.
Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has revealed that the UFC sent him an unexpected bonus payment of $42,000, the source of which left him puzzled.
Tsarukyan, who competes in the lightweight division, said the organization did not explain the payment, which is not unusual given how the UFC typically handles such bonuses. He speculated it could be tied to his social media activity or audience engagement. In a candid moment, he noted he chose not to press for details, joking that doing so might prompt his manager to claim a cut of the money.
Elsewhere, welterweight contenders Carlos Prates and Jack Della Maddalena had their first face-off ahead of their upcoming bout. Prates, ranked fifth in the welterweight division at 32 years old, carries a notable size advantage at six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach — unusually large dimensions for 170 pounds. The Brazilian holds a 24-7 record and lands strikes at a 55 percent accuracy rate. Della Maddalena, ranked fourth at just 29 years old, is 18-4 and one of the division's most active strikers, landing 5.57 significant strikes per minute. The Australian fights out of Perth with Scrappy MMA.
Also drawing attention is heavyweight Shamil Gaziev, who reportedly weighed around 140 kilograms ahead of his scheduled fight in Australia, well above the 120-kilogram heavyweight limit. The 36-year-old from Bahrain, ranked eleventh in the division, stands 193 centimeters tall with a 198-centimeter reach and carries a 14-3 record. The report suggests he had limited time remaining to shed the excess weight before fight week obligations.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's bonus adds intrigue around how the UFC rewards fighters outside standard performance payments
- The Prates-Della Maddalena face-off signals a high-stakes welterweight clash between two top-five contenders with contrasting physical profiles
- Gaziev's reported weight situation raises questions about his readiness ahead of his heavyweight appearance in Australia
