Arman Tsarukyan revealed that the UFC recently sent him an extra bonus of $42,000. The lightweight contender 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. He joked that he didn't ask for clarification because his manager might claim a percentage of the unexpected payment. This disclosure highlights the various ways UFC compensates fighters beyond disclosed fight purses and performance bonuses. The post also mentioned that Carlos Prates and Jack Della Maddalena had their first faceoff, with observations about Prates' size at welterweight.
Arman Tsarukyan has revealed that the UFC deposited an unexpected $42,000 bonus into his account, and the lightweight contender says he has no clear idea why.
Tsarukyan disclosed the payment publicly, noting that the organization typically does not explain such transfers. The 29-year-old Russian fighter speculated the sum could be connected to his social media presence, though he offered no certainty on that front. In a candid aside, he joked that he deliberately avoided asking his manager about the origin of the money, not wanting the unexpected windfall to suddenly attract a percentage cut.
Tsarukyan currently sits ranked number one in the UFC lightweight division, carrying a record of 23-3-0 while representing American Top Team. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he has built his reputation as one of the most well-rounded threats in the 155-pound weight class. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate, and his wrestling is equally dangerous — averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- The disclosure sheds light on undisclosed UFC compensation channels that exist beyond standard fight purses and official performance bonuses.
- For a ranked contender like Tsarukyan, even informal payments draw attention to how fighter earnings are structured and reported.
- The lightweight division's top contender publicly discussing UFC finances adds a rare layer of transparency to an area the sport rarely scrutinizes openly.
Separately, the same report noted that welterweight fighters Carlos Prates and Jack Della Maddalena met for their first faceoff, with commentary around Prates' physical size standing out within the 170-pound division.
