Arman Tsarukyan Bets $1M on Justin Gaethje to Upset Ilia Topuria
Arman Tsarukyan, the UFC lightweight contender, has bet $1 million on Justin Gaethje to upset Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14.
Tsarukyan made the wager during a live stream alongside former boxing champion Adrien Broner and influencer Deen The Great.
The 29-year-old initially suggested a $50,000 bet but was coaxed into going all-in with seven figures.
Tsarukyan stands to collect a massive $5.7 million payout if Gaethje pulls off the upset.
He admitted that making $1 million is not easy, and the weight of the financial commitment hit him after clicking the confirm button on his phone.
The wager has sparked controversy as it places Tsarukyan in direct violation of the official UFC Athlete Conduct Policy, which prohibits fighters from wagering on any UFC matches.
UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell stated that violations could result in criminal charges in certain jurisdictions.
The policy aims to prevent fight-fixing, which has been a recurring issue in the UFC, including the cancellation of the lightweight bout between Michael Johnson and Alex Hernandez at UFC 324 due to irregular betting activity.
Dana White, the UFC CEO, announced the cancellation, citing concerns over the integrity of the fight.
Tsarukyan's public wager has raised questions about the effectiveness of the UFC's gambling policies and the potential consequences for fighters who violate them.
The UFC Freedom 250 event is scheduled to take place on June 14, and the outcome of the Gaethje-Topuria fight will determine whether Tsarukyan's bet pays off.
Tsarukyan's decision to bet on Gaethje was based on the underdog's history of pulling off upsets, including his previous wins.
The live stream captured the moment of genuine panic that followed the digital transaction, with Tsarukyan jumping from his seat and exclaiming, "Bro, if my dad sees this."
He pleaded with Gaethje to knock out Topuria, saying, "Just knock him out, and the next day, I'll go and get the plane. Down payment on a plane."
The team was encouraged to buy Gaethje "a good watch" if the bet cashes.
However, the bravado soon faded into a moment of sobering reflection regarding the difficulty of acquiring such wealth.
Tsarukyan's bet has sparked a lively debate among fans and pundits, with some questioning the wisdom of his decision and others praising his confidence in Gaethje.
The outcome of the Gaethje-Topuria fight will not only determine the winner of the lightweight title but also the fate of Tsarukyan's $1 million bet.
As the fight approaches, fans will be watching closely to see if Gaethje can pull off the upset and make Tsarukyan a wealthy man.
The UFC Freedom 250 event promises to be an exciting and unpredictable night of fights, with Tsarukyan's bet adding an extra layer of intrigue to the proceedings.