Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan revealed that the UFC recently sent him an unexpected bonus of $42,000. The Armenian fighter stated he was unsure what the payment was for, as the promotion typically does not specify the reason for such bonuses. Tsarukyan speculated it might be related to his social media activity. He jokingly added that he did not ask for clarification, fearing his manager might request a percentage of the unexpected windfall. The post also mentioned Carlos Prates and Jack Della Maddalena held their first face-off, with Prates appearing notably large for the welterweight division.
Arman Tsarukyan has revealed that the UFC deposited an unexpected $42,000 bonus into his account, with the Armenian-born lightweight contender admitting he has no clear idea what the payment was for.
Tsarukyan, who trains out of American Top Team and carries a 23-3 record, said the promotion did not explain the reason for the transfer, as is apparently customary with such payments. The 29-year-old, currently ranked first in the lightweight division, speculated the money might be tied to his social media presence and output. He added with some humor that he chose not to press his manager for details, worried the revelation might cost him a percentage of the windfall.
The ranked number-one lightweight is one of the division's most well-rounded threats, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes while also putting together a 50 percent striking accuracy across his career.
Also noted in the same post, welterweights Carlos Prates and Jack Della Maddalena held their first face-off, with Prates drawing attention for his notably large physical frame ahead of their matchup.
Prates, ranked fifth at welterweight, is a 32-year-old Brazilian known as "The Nightmare" who stands six-foot-one with a 78-inch reach — a considerable presence for the division. He holds a 24-7 record and lands significant strikes at a 55 percent accuracy rate.
Della Maddalena, ranked fourth in the division and sitting 13th in the pound-for-pound standings, is a 29-year-old Australian out of Scrappy MMA. He carries an 18-4 record and ranks among the more active strikers in the welterweight class, landing 5.57 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's bonus, whatever its origin, keeps the spotlight on a fighter positioned as the top lightweight contender
- The Prates-Della Maddalena face-off signals the matchup is advancing, with the physical size contrast already generating attention
- A ranked four versus ranked five welterweight bout carries real divisional stakes, with the winner pushing toward the top of a competitive 170-pound picture
