Fact Check: Did Arman Tsarukyan land $5+ million jackpot as Justin Gaethje defeats Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 main card?
Justin Gaethje ’s stunning victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 did more than crown a new lightweight champion. It also made Arman Tsarukyan one of the biggest winners of the night. The top-ranked lightweight had placed a massive $1 million wager on Gaethje to defeat the previously unbeaten champion. When Gaethje completed the upset at the White House event, Tsarukyan’s bold prediction paid off in spectacular fashion. However, there is a big controversy surrounding the bet.
Notably, Gaethje stopped Topuria’s 17-0 unbeaten run and captured the undisputed UFC lightweight title after a brutal four-round battle. The American veteran survived several dangerous moments before overwhelming Topuria with relentless pressure and powerful striking. While fans celebrated Gaethje’s career-defining achievement, Tsarukyan had another reason to celebrate after his high-risk bet reportedly earned him a payout worth $5.7 million. But, there is more to the story.
Did Arman Tsarukyan gamble pay off after Justin Gaethje delivers historic upset
Days before UFC Freedom 250, Arman Tsarukyan publicly backed Justin Gaethje despite most betting experts favoring Ilia Topuria. The Armenian contender placed a $1 million bet on the interim champion during a livestream appearance with veteran boxers Adrien Broner and DeenTheGreat. However, there was widespread criticism since UFC rules don't allow fighters to place bets.
Recently, UFC president Dana White confirmed that Tsarukyan did not place the bet directly but one of his friends did it for him and that too from a third party app. Which is being considered a loophole by many.
Moreover, many fans questioned Tsarukyan’s decision because Topuria entered the UFC 250 main card with a perfect 17-0 professional record and had looked nearly unbeatable.
Explaining his choice on stream, Tsarukyan had said he trusted Gaethje’s ability to overcome the odds. He pointed out that many people had doubted Gaethje throughout his career, yet he repeatedly found ways to win when expectations were against him. That belief ultimately proved correct as Gaethje gave one of the most memorable performances of his career at UFC 250 main card.
The moment the wager was confirmed, Tsarukyan appeared to realize the magnitude of the risk. During the livestream, he joked that his family might not be pleased if they learned how much money he had placed on the fight. He also playfully urged Gaethje to finish the job, suggesting that a victory could help fund a future private aircraft purchase.
Despite his confidence, Tsarukyan admitted on livestream that risking such a large amount was nerve-racking. He explained that earning $1 million requires tremendous effort, while placing the bet took only a few seconds. His comments reflected the anxiety that often follows a major financial gamble.
The UFC 250 main card result crowned a new champion, ending one of MMA’s longest unbeaten streaks. So did Tsarukyan’s daring $1 million wager gave him a multi-million-dollar payday, technically and officially, no but if his friends hand him over the pay then maybe yes!
Notably, Gaethje stopped Topuria’s 17-0 unbeaten run and captured the undisputed UFC lightweight title after a brutal four-round battle. The American veteran survived several dangerous moments before overwhelming Topuria with relentless pressure and powerful striking. While fans celebrated Gaethje’s career-defining achievement, Tsarukyan had another reason to celebrate after his high-risk bet reportedly earned him a payout worth $5.7 million. But, there is more to the story.
Did Arman Tsarukyan gamble pay off after Justin Gaethje delivers historic upset
Days before UFC Freedom 250, Arman Tsarukyan publicly backed Justin Gaethje despite most betting experts favoring Ilia Topuria. The Armenian contender placed a $1 million bet on the interim champion during a livestream appearance with veteran boxers Adrien Broner and DeenTheGreat. However, there was widespread criticism since UFC rules don't allow fighters to place bets.
Recently, UFC president Dana White confirmed that Tsarukyan did not place the bet directly but one of his friends did it for him and that too from a third party app. Which is being considered a loophole by many.
Moreover, many fans questioned Tsarukyan’s decision because Topuria entered the UFC 250 main card with a perfect 17-0 professional record and had looked nearly unbeatable.
Explaining his choice on stream, Tsarukyan had said he trusted Gaethje’s ability to overcome the odds. He pointed out that many people had doubted Gaethje throughout his career, yet he repeatedly found ways to win when expectations were against him. That belief ultimately proved correct as Gaethje gave one of the most memorable performances of his career at UFC 250 main card.
The moment the wager was confirmed, Tsarukyan appeared to realize the magnitude of the risk. During the livestream, he joked that his family might not be pleased if they learned how much money he had placed on the fight. He also playfully urged Gaethje to finish the job, suggesting that a victory could help fund a future private aircraft purchase.
Despite his confidence, Tsarukyan admitted on livestream that risking such a large amount was nerve-racking. He explained that earning $1 million requires tremendous effort, while placing the bet took only a few seconds. His comments reflected the anxiety that often follows a major financial gamble.
The UFC 250 main card result crowned a new champion, ending one of MMA’s longest unbeaten streaks. So did Tsarukyan’s daring $1 million wager gave him a multi-million-dollar payday, technically and officially, no but if his friends hand him over the pay then maybe yes!
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