Arman Tsarukyan: UFC Fighters "Gotta Be Paid More" Despite Paramount Deal Increase

Arman Tsarukyan has shared his perspective on the often-debated issue of fighter compensation within the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The promotion has frequently faced scrutiny and criticism from various athletes and veterans who believe the pay is insufficient.

Despite the UFC securing a massive seven-year, $7.7 billion media-rights agreement with Paramount, several fighters, including high-profile names like Justin Gaethje and Colby Covington, have reportedly stated that their earnings have not significantly increased and they are still bound by older contract terms. Earlier, Jon Jones publicly accused Dana White and the UFC leadership of underpaying him, which led to his withdrawal from a major event. Ronda Rousey has also vocalized concerns about low fighter wages, pointing out that many UFC athletes struggle financially and often need to take on additional jobs.

The lack of a unified front among fighters to demand better remuneration, according to some, stems from the fact that top-tier champions and stars are generally content with their current contracts, while the burden of low pay primarily affects rising contenders, lower-ranked fighters, and newcomers.

Arman Tsarukyan on UFC Fighter Compensation

During a frank discussion with boxer Ryan Garcia, Arman Tsarukyan drew comparisons between UFC fighter salaries and boxing purses, asserting that mixed martial arts athletes are deserving of more substantial paydays. However, Tsarukyan also observed that lesser-known UFC fighters often earn more than emerging boxing prospects.

“Of course, MMA fighters need to be paid more. While mid-level UFC fighters often earn more than most boxers, stars like you [Ryan Garcia] might make five times more than a UFC champion. Yet, if you consider a top-10 or top-12 ranked mid-tier fighter in the UFC, they typically out-earn their boxing counterparts. In boxing, only the very biggest names receive significant paychecks.”

The Armenian fighter further explained that following the new Paramount media deal, both his own compensation and the purses of other UFC fighters have increased. He views this as a positive development, indicating that better times are ahead, though a complete revolution in the pay structure will likely require a few more years.

“They’ve already started paying more because of the new Paramount agreement. They are currently updating all contracts. Fighters are receiving more money, and I am too. So, they finalized my contract, and other fighters; champions are now getting higher pay. Those who previously earned $2 million might now be receiving $4 million. But it’s still not on par with boxing earnings. I believe this situation will change in 3-4 years; it cannot remain like this. If you are a UFC champion defending your title, you should realistically be making at least $10 million.”

Finally, Arman Tsarukyan emphasized the critical need for fighters to earn more because a considerable portion of their income must cover expenses for their coaches, training teams, and other essential support staff after every fight, making smaller purses unsustainable.

Dana White has previously stated that everyone on the UFC's payroll can anticipate future pay increases, viewing the increased financial flow into the sport as an overall positive development.