Tsarukyan at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/armantsarukyan
A publication by Arman Tsarukyan on social media it sparked debate, after the UFC White HouseIn the week leading up to the fight, the Armenian revealed that he had bet US$1 million (approximately R$5 million) on his victory. Justin gaethje about Ilia Topuria in the fight for the linear lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg), held last Sunday (14), in Washington DC (USA). The prediction came true, giving the fighter a return of US$ 5,7 million (approximately R$ 28,7 million).
Despite the millions of dollars in profit from Gaethje's unprecedented victory, the case drew attention because UFC athletes are prohibited from placing bets involving fights within the organization, a rule created to protect the sporting integrity of the event.
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The Armenian fighter shared images of the ticket before the fight and, after Gaethje's victory, displayed the profit he made on his Instagram after the result was confirmed. The fighter's audacity quickly gained attention, especially since it involved one of the most anticipated fights on the UFC calendar in 2026.
Despite the media coverage, the episode also raised questions. Since the end of 2022, athletes affiliated with the UFC have been prohibited from placing bets on the organization's events. The measure was implemented after investigations involving possible irregularities in betting markets related to MMA. The goal is to avoid conflicts of interest and preserve the sporting integrity of the fights. Failure to comply with this rule includes penalties and even contract termination.
To date, the UFC has not commented on the incident nor indicated whether it will open an investigation to determine a possible violation of the organization's code of conduct. It has also not been clarified whether the bet was placed directly by the fighter or through a third party.
UFC White House Results
MAIN CARD – starting at 21 PM (Brasilia time)
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Justin gaethje derrotou Ilia Topuria By knockout (corner stoppage) end of round 4 – Championship fight
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Cyryl Gane derrotou Alex Poatán By knockout (left cross) at 1:17 of round 2 – Interim title fight
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Sean O'Malley derrotou Aiemann Zahabi by knockout (right straight) at 4:01 of round 2
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Josh Hokit derrotou Derrick Lewis by knockout (punches) at 4m08s of R2
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Mauricio Ruffy derrotou Michael chandler by knockout (punches) at 4m29s of R1
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): BoNickal derrotou Kyle Daukaus by knockout (elbows) at 4:34 of round 1
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Diego lopes derrotou Steve Garcia by knockout (punches) at 2m42s of R2
Read More about: Alex Poatán, Alex Poatan UFC White House, bet, Arman Tsarukyan, White House, Ilia Topuria, Justin gaethje, MMA, controversy, UFC, Ultimate
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