Outside Source
Interim champion Justin Gaethje (27-5) challenges Ilia Topuria (17-0) to unify the lightweight belts on June 14 at the White House. Sportsbooks and experts have prognosticated that the reach and prominence of these bouts may break single-event MMA betting records. Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight contender Tsarukyan is contributing his own share to the pot, to the tune of $1 million.
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The Armenian by way of Russia has put down a million dollars on the bout between Topuria and Gaethje. Recording himself on video placing the bet with +570 underdog odds, Tsarukyan has put it all on Gaethje to win. Should “The Highlight” get the job done on Sunday, Tsarukyan can clear $5 million on this bet alone. He posted a screenshot of his betting slip on social media, while promising Gaethje he will buy him a new truck should he defeat Topuria.
Tsarukyan has developed a little animosity towards Topuria, who in return has long been dismissing him as the most deserving lightweight title contender. Tsarukyan was sidelined from the title picture after pulling out of a title shot against then-champion Islam Makhachev last year. Topuria won the vacant belt against Charles Oliveira when Makhachev moved up to welterweight. While Tsarukyan was still widely considered the most deserving contender, Topuria wanted to defend against Paddy Pimblett instead. However, Tsarukyan was sidelined again after Gaethje defeated Pimblett for the interim strap.
The UFC has yet to comment on this video, which could be sponsored content or another form of advertising for the service of Jack.com and not necessarily a real bet. If legitimate, Tsarukyan may run afoul of the UFC’s betting integrity policy that prohibits fighters from any sports betting altogether, especially MMA.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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