Arman Tsarukyan says RAF earnings now rival his UFC pay

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Arman Tsarukyan isn’t currently active in the UFC, but that hasn’t stopped him from staying financially comfortable.

Tsarukyan’s last appearance inside the Octagon came at UFC Qatar in November 2025, where he made it five consecutive wins by submitting Dan Hooker.

After being passed over for an interim title shot at UFC 324 back in January, the Armenian has been staying busy outside of the promotion.

That has included a number of high-profile outings in Real American Freestyle, where Tsarukyan’s earnings have been solid. Fans have even spotted him sporting a flashy watch worth nearly $200,000 and posting about his wealth on social media.

Arman Tsarukyan picking up big paydays away from the Octagon

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

On top of his submission grappling work—where he recently choked out Muhammad Mokaev and picked up several other wins—Tsarukyan has also become a regular fixture in RAF.

After victories over Lance Palmer and Georgio Poullas, he took on Urijah Faber at RAF08 in Philadelphia this past Saturday, making it another notable win to his record.

The wrestling promotion, which launched eight months ago, has quickly become a place for established UFC fighters to stay active between fights.

And according to Tsarukyan, the financial side of things isn’t too bad either.

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Tsarukyan confirmed that his earnings from RAF are starting to match what he made in the UFC. “Yes,” he said when asked if his Real American Freestyle pay is nearing his UFC purses. “It’s the best. But I still enjoy fighting.”

Towards the end of May 2026, fans will have already watched three episodes, with two being aired every Saturday on CBS. A majority will come from the college ranks.