(Video) Arman Tsarukyan Bets $1 Million on Justin Gaethje to Defeat Ilia Topuria

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan makes a massive bet on the UFC Freedom 250 main event between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.

(Video) Arman Tsarukyan Bets $1 Million on Justin Gaethje to Defeat Ilia Topuria

Arman Tsarukyan places bet on Justin Gaethje (via MMA Fighting, Instagram)

Arman Tsarukyan is regarded as one of the wealthiest active UFC lightweight fighters. He is often seen traveling in luxury cars and staying at high-end scenic properties worldwide. Despite his status, he still follows combat sports closely as a fan and enjoys watching major fights. Recently, he made headlines after placing a reported $1 million bet on Justin Gaethje to defeat Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250.

Tsarukyan’s estimated net worth is around $2 million, built from his UFC career. However, much of his financial stability is linked to his family background. His father, Nairi Tsarukyan, is a construction business tycoon with a net worth close to $100 million. This support allows the UFC lightweight contender to maintain a luxury lifestyle without financial pressure, while fully focusing on his fighting career.

Meanwhile, Topuria is set to face Gaethje in the UFC Freedom 250 main event for the lightweight title. Gaethje enters as a +450 underdog, while Topuria is favored between -700 and -800. During a recent livestream with Deen the Great and former boxer Adrien Broner, Tsarukyan placed a surprising $1 million bet on Gaethje. If the upset happens, the reported payout would be around a whopping $5.7 million.

Bro, in Russia right now it’s like 5:00 AM. In about two hours, my dad is going to call me. If Gaethje wins, the next day we’re buying a jet.

Arman Tsarukyan via Kick

Tsarukyan has developed a reputation for making bold wagers. He lost a $50,000 bet to streamer Adin Ross after Sean Strickland upset Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328. The Armenian star had backed Chimaev, while Ross put his money on Strickland. He was also involved in a $40,000 dispute with Ryan Garcia after the boxing star failed a body-shot challenge but later refused to pay, sparking controversy between them.

However, not all of Tsarukyan’s bets have ended badly. The UFC lightweight made a wager with influencer wrestler Georgio Poullas during their RAF 06 and RAF 07 rivalry. After defeating Poullas, Tsarukyan collected the agreed $10,000 bet. When Poullas honored the wager, the Armenian UFC star revealed the money would be donated to a young child battling illness, turning the bet into a charitable act.

However, UFC betting has become a major controversy in recent years. The issue gained attention after the Isaac Dulgarian scandal, where suspicious betting activity surrounding one of his fights triggered an integrity investigation. The UFC prohibits active fighters from betting on UFC bouts. As a result, Arman Tsarukyan’s reported $1 million wager could attract scrutiny if it is deemed a violation of policies.

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Santo Studio has quickly emerged as one of the newest destinations for elite MMA fighters seeking high-level training. The gym has attracted notable names including Khalil Rountree Jr., Khamzat Chimaev, Aaron Pico, and Arman Tsarukyan. Many of these athletes also split their camps with specialist Sam Calavitta at The Treigning Lab, combining technical MMA work with conditioning preparation.

Arman Tsarukyan and Khamzat Chimaev with Sam Calavitta
Arman Tsarukyan and Khamzat Chimaev with Sam Calavitta (via Instagram)

Recent footage from Santo Studio showed Pico and Tsarukyan working together in an intense wrestling and grappling session. The two showcased high-level scrambles, positional exchanges, and takedown sequences as they continued preparations for their respective careers. Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold was also present at the gym, observing the training session from the sidelines.

The training comes as Arman Tsarukyan prepares to face Tony Ferguson at RAF 10 before taking on Colby Covington at RAF 11. Meanwhile, Aaron Pico is set to make his RAF debut against Lance Palmer at RAF 10. With both athletes sharpening their skills at Santo Studio, the session offered a glimpse into their preparation ahead of several high-profile appearances under the Real American Freestyle banner.

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