Arman Tsarukyan’s role at UFC Freedom 250 has become more complicated than the usual backup fighter storyline.
The lightweight contender is on standby for Ilia Topuria’s title unification bout with Justin Gaethje, while his feud with Topuria has kept him close to the spotlight.
A viral stream then appeared to show Tsarukyan backing Gaethje with a $1 million bet, despite UFC fighters being barred from wagering on fights.
Dana White has since said the 29-year-old Armenian did not place the bet himself, claiming it was one of his friends. Now one of the coaches closest to ‘Ahalkalakets’ has moved to kill the suspension talk.
Marcos Parrumpa explains truth behind viral $1 million bet claim
Marcos Parrumpa DaMatta is not a marginal voice in Tsarukyan’s camp. The Brazilian coach is a respected figure at American Top Team, a Carlson Gracie black belt and a long-time trainer of elite MMA fighters.
Speaking on his podcast Overdogs Brasil, Parrumpa insisted the clip had been misunderstood and that the lightweight contender had not risked breaching UFC rules.
“Before there’s more controversy, because haters love to talk, let me make it clear: Arman didn’t bet anything. That’s a lie. Stop talking nonsense about Arman potentially getting suspended. It’s obvious [it was a publicity stunt],” he stated.
That answer matters because the 29-year-old will watch Topuria versus Gaethje closely, knowing the result could shape his route back to gold.
Former champion Charles Oliveira also wants another shot at the belt, but Tsarukyan’s camp believes he is the next one.
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