Arman Tsarukyan has revealed that Real American Freestyle is paying him nearly as much as his UFC purses, a remarkable disclosure about a wrestling promotion that has been operating for less than a year.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Tsarukyan confirmed the financial parity when asked directly whether RAF payments are approaching his Octagon earnings.
Yes,” he said. “It’s the best. But I still enjoy fighting.
Despite the lucrative outside opportunities, Tsarukyan was clear that MMA remains his priority.
I don’t like cutting weight, but I enjoy fighting. So fights excite me more than RAF. UFC, for me, is more exciting.
Tsarukyan last competed in the UFC at UFC Qatar in November 2025, submitting Dan Hooker to extend his winning streak to five fights. Since being passed over for an interim title shot at UFC 311 in January, he has competed six more times outside the Octagon, recording wins in RAF over Lance Palmer, Georgio Poullas, and Urijah Faber, as well as a submission grappling victory over Muhammad Mokaev.
His most recent RAF appearance at RAF08 in Philadelphia saw him drive Faber off the edge of the mat and onto the concrete floor during their match. It was the latest in a series of incidents that have accompanied Tsarukyan’s outside-UFC activity, which also included a brawl at RAF06 and being removed from an American Airlines flight.
Regarding his UFC return, Tsarukyan said he has received positive assurances from the promotion. According to him, UFC executive Hunter Campbell promised he would compete for a title by the end of summer 2026.
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