UFC Lightweight Contender Arman Tsarukyan Allegedly Placed $1 Million Bet on Main Event, Sparks Policy Debate
UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan reportedly placed a $1 million bet on Justin Gaethje to defeat Ilia Topuria at the UFC 289 main event, which could have yielded a $5.7 million payout, according to a livestream and social media posts. However, the UFC’s 2022 policy explicitly prohibits fighters from wagering on UFC events, raising questions about the legality of the claim.
UFC’s Betting Policy Update Undermines Tsarukyan’s Alleged Bet
The UFC updated its Athlete Conduct Policy in October 2022 to ban all fighters and their teams from wagering on UFC-promoted events. Prior to this, fighters could bet on fights as long as they did not bet against themselves. “This is a clear violation of the policy,” a UFC spokesperson stated, though no formal investigation has been announced.
Dana White Denies Tsarukyan Placed the Bet
UFC President Dana White claimed on the Full Send podcast that the $1 million wager was placed by “one of Arman’s buddies,” not Tsarukyan himself. “He’s not the one who bet. It’s one of his friends,” White said, according to Bloody Elbow. Tsarukyan has not publicly confirmed or denied the claim, but a tweet from the account @Home_of_Fight allegedly showing his bet has circulated online.
What Happened at the UFC 289 Main Event?
The main event between Gaethje and Topuria ended in the fourth round when Topuria was unable to continue, making Gaethje the undisputed lightweight champion. The fight took place on June 10, 2023, at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada. Tsarukyan, who was not on the card, has since been vocal about his alleged involvement in the bet, though no official records of the wager have been released.
Can UFC Fighters Bet on Fights?
No. The UFC’s 2022 policy explicitly prohibits fighters from placing bets on UFC events. Violations can result in disciplinary action, including fines or suspension. While some fighters have faced scrutiny for betting in the past, the organization has taken a firm stance against such activity. “This isn’t a gray area,” a UFC official said. “It’s a strict policy for good reason.”
Why This Allegation Matters
The claim highlights tensions between fighter behavior and organizational rules. While Tsarukyan’s involvement remains unverified, the incident underscores the challenges of enforcing betting bans in a sport where high-stakes wagers are common. “This could set a precedent for how the UFC handles similar cases,” said ESPN analyst Ariel Helwani. “It’s a test of their commitment to the policy.”