Arman Tsarukyan revealed that the UFC recently sent him an unexpected $42,000 bonus payment. The lightweight contender stated he was unsure of the exact reason for the payment, speculating it might be related to his social media activity. Tsarukyan noted that the UFC regularly sends him extra bonuses and joked about not asking for clarification because his manager might request a percentage. The Armenian-born fighter has been active on social media and continues to be one of the promotion's rising stars at 155 pounds. This bonus comes outside of standard fight purses and performance bonuses.
Arman Tsarukyan has revealed that the UFC sent him an unexpected $42,000 bonus payment, with the lightweight contender admitting he was not entirely sure what prompted it.
Speaking publicly about the surprise deposit, Tsarukyan said he believes the payment may be connected to his social media activity, though he acknowledged he did not know the precise reason. He noted that the UFC has a habit of sending him extra bonuses beyond standard fight purses and performance incentives. In a lighthearted moment, he added that he deliberately avoided asking for clarification, joking that his manager would want a cut if he found out.
Tsarukyan, 29, is currently the number-one ranked lightweight in the UFC, holding a professional record of 23 wins and 3 losses. Born in Armenia and competing out of Russia, he trains with American Top Team and fights out of an orthodox stance. Standing 170 cm tall with a 183 cm reach, he is a well-rounded threat, averaging 3.85 significant strikes landed per minute at 50 percent accuracy while also posing a consistent takedown threat at 3.26 attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- The bonus falls outside normal fight-night and performance incentive structures, pointing to the UFC rewarding fighters for promotional contributions beyond competition.
- Tsarukyan's standing as the division's top-ranked contender at 155 pounds makes his public profile especially valuable to the promotion.
- His candid comments highlight the informal and sometimes opaque nature of supplemental bonus arrangements between fighters and the UFC.
