Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan revealed the UFC recently sent him an unexpected bonus of $42,000. The Armenian fighter said he didn't understand the reason for the payment, as the promotion typically doesn't explain such bonuses. He speculated it might be related to his social media activity but admitted he didn't ask for details. Tsarukyan joked that he avoided inquiring because his manager might claim a percentage if he knew. He noted that the UFC regularly sends him extra bonuses beyond his contracted pay. The revelation provides rare insight into discretionary payments the promotion makes to fighters.
Arman Tsarukyan has revealed the UFC sent him an unexpected bonus of $42,000, with the lightweight contender admitting he had no clear explanation for the payment.
Tsarukyan, ranked first in the lightweight division, said the promotion did not provide a reason for the extra money, which he noted is typical of how the UFC handles such discretionary payments. The 29-year-old speculated the bonus may have been tied to his social media presence, though he acknowledged he never pressed for details. In a candid aside, he joked that he deliberately avoided asking questions because his manager might seek a percentage of the sum if he became aware of it. Tsarukyan added that the UFC has sent him additional bonuses beyond his contracted pay on a regular basis.
Tsarukyan, who fights out of American Top Team and holds a professional record of 23-3-0, has established himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the 155-pound division. Born in Russia and representing Armenia, the five-foot-seven orthodox striker stands as the top-ranked lightweight contender. He averages 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent striking accuracy, and supplements his standup with a strong wrestling game, averaging 3.26 takedown attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Discretionary bonuses of this size offer a rare glimpse into how the UFC rewards fighters outside formal contract terms.
- Tsarukyan's prominence as the number-one ranked lightweight makes his financial relationship with the promotion a point of broader interest for fighters monitoring pay transparency.
- The anecdote highlights the informal and unexplained nature of supplemental UFC payments, which rarely become public knowledge.
