Arman Tsarukyan Demands Dana White to Make $10 Million Minimum Pay for UFC Champions

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan becomes the latest to raise the issue of unfair payment of fighters and champions in the UFC.

Arman Tsarukyan Demands Dana White to Make $10 Million Minimum Pay for UFC Champions

Arman Tsarukyan calls out UFC and Dana White (via HITC)

In Short
  • Arman Tsarukyan is advocating for a minimum pay of $10 million for UFC champions, citing pay disparities with boxing.
  • The UFC's new media rights deal has increased fighter bonuses, but many still feel compensation is inadequate.
  • Tsarukyan's comments have intensified scrutiny on Dana White regarding fighter pay and market value.

Following his recent surge in social media activity and appearances in wrestling tournaments, Arman Tsarukyan has strengthened his presence in the UFC landscape. The Armenian star has also been featured on streams hosted by creators like N3on and Adin Ross. Recently, Tsarukyan appeared on a live stream with boxer Ryan Garcia, where the two discussed the pay disparity between MMA and boxing.

One of the most prominent discussions in current UFC debates has been fighter pay and compensation. The issue has repeatedly placed Dana White under scrutiny from fighters and observers alike over the years. Despite the criticism, White has consistently maintained that athletes are responsible for building their own market value, emphasizing that greater opportunities come to those who elevate their profiles.

Compared with UFC fighters, boxers often earn far more per fight, highlighting a clear gap in pay structures. Garcia is one such example, with an estimated net worth of $60 million at 27. This differs significantly from what many UFC fighters make across their careers. Garcia raised this during his stream with Tsarukyan, prompting a discussion of the differences between a boxing champion and a UFC champion.

In boxing, only the big names get paid. The UFC started paying [fighters] more because of the Paramount deal. For example if they got paid $2 million now they get $4 million. But still it’s not same money as boxing. It cannot stay like this. If you’re a UFC champion and you defend your title, you gotta make $10 million at least.

Arman Tsarukyan via Kick

According to Tsarukyan, the UFC’s new streaming and media rights deal with Paramount+ has significantly influenced fighter pay, though not enough to meet fair standards. The UFC fight-night bonuses have increased from $50,000 to $100,000 under the new structure. However, under Zuffa Boxing, White had already implemented $100,000 bonuses before the Paramount+ deal in September 2025.

Another major issue surfaced when White signed Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing on a $15 million single-fight deal. The move drew attention from rival promoters like Eddie Hearn, who suggested it could spark unrest among UFC fighters. That concern proved partly valid, as former champions such as Sean O’Malley and Israel Adesanya questioned why they were not compensated at similar levels during their primes.

Arman Tsarukyan remains one of the wealthier UFC superstars, reflected in his luxury lifestyle and growing profile. While the Armenian star may not be in urgent need of higher earnings, his stance on fighter pay has significantly boosted his visibility. Despite facing criticism from current and former fighters as well as UFC legends, the spotlight now shifts to how Dana White will respond to the mounting pressure.

Arman Tsarukyan weighs in on one of the most intense UFC rivalries

The rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor became one of the biggest in UFC history due to its scale and intensity. Their bout at UFC 229 drew around 2.4 million pay-per-view buys, a UFC record. The buildup included the bus attack incident involving McGregor and Nurmagomedov’s team. This was followed by a post-fight brawl after Nurmagomedov’s fourth-round submission win.

Arman Tsarukyan
Arman Tsarukyan (via X)

Arman Tsarukyan has consistently spoken highly of Khabib Nurmagomedov and the discipline associated with training in Dagestan. Despite losing his UFC debut to Islam Makhachev, Tsarukyan has continued to show respect toward the region’s fighters and their wrestling dominance. He recently reiterated that no version of Conor McGregor could overcome Nurmagomedov’s grappling.

In Conor McGregor’s prime, nobody could beat him unless it was Khabib. Khabib is always going to beat him [Conor]. Style makes the fight. Khabib has great wrestling; you cannot stop his wrestling.

Arman Tsarukyan via Kick

While Arman Tsarukyan respects Khabib Nurmagomedov and his legacy, he has also expressed confidence in his abilities. Tsarukyan explained that he believes he could defeat a prime version of ‘The Eagle’ because he is more well-rounded, with sharper striking and skills. As his career progresses, this blend of respect and strong self-belief highlights the Armenian lightweight’s ambitions at the highest level.

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