Arman Tsarukyan revealed that the UFC recently sent him an unexpected bonus of $42,000. The fighter stated he didn't initially understand what the payment was for, as the organization typically doesn't explain such bonuses. Tsarukyan speculated it might be for his social media work and joked that he didn't ask for clarification because his manager might demand a percentage. The post also included other MMA news, including that Strickland once told Francis Ngannou the reason he carries a weapon would be found in a mirror, observations about Carlos Prates' size at welterweight, and concerns about Shamil Gaziev weighing around 140 kg when his division limit is 120 kg.
Arman Tsarukyan has disclosed that the UFC deposited an unexpected $42,000 bonus into his account, with the Armenian lightweight offering a candid and lighthearted take on the mysterious payment.
Tsarukyan said he had no immediate explanation for the bonus, noting that the UFC does not typically accompany such payments with any clarification. He speculated the sum could be tied to his social media activity, and added with some humor that he chose not to ask questions — partly out of concern that his manager would catch wind of it and claim a percentage.
The same news cycle brought a few other storylines worth noting. Sean Strickland, the 35-year-old American middleweight champion fighting out of Xtreme Couture, reportedly told Francis Ngannou that the reason he carries a weapon could be found by looking in a mirror — a remark very much in keeping with Strickland's blunt public persona. Strickland carries a 31-7-0 record and lands an imposing 6.04 significant strikes per minute.
Carlos Prates, the fifth-ranked welterweight out of Brazil, drew attention for his physical size at 170 pounds. At six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach and a 24-7-0 record, "The Nightmare" cuts an unusually large frame for the division, and observers noted he presents a distinct physical challenge for opponents in that weight class.
Meanwhile, concern was raised over the condition of heavyweight contender Shamil Gaziev, who was reported to be walking around at roughly 140 kilograms — a significant margin above the heavyweight limit of 120 kilograms. The 36-year-old Bahraini fighter, ranked eleventh at heavyweight and carrying a 14-3-0 record, stands six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach. The weight report has prompted discussion about whether such a large mass between fights is sustainable or advisable heading into competition.
