Famous Russian creator Danya Milokhin recently spoke about the compensation he received for joining Channel One’s reality program Ice Age, revealing insights about his earnings on his widely followed YouTube channel Pasta. Milokhin shared that the official fee for his appearance was approximately three million rubles, a figure he described as not his primary source of income. He emphasized that the money from advertising and broader brand deals had far more impact on his finances, noting that strong contracts and consistent exposure made the program’s payout feel secondary. The emphasis, he explained, was his initial decision to participate because it aligned with his career goals and public profile, not a singular pursuit of a big paycheck.
Milokhin had previously taken part in Ice Age and, during the prior season, performed music-laden performances with renowned figure skater Evgenia Medvedeva. While the duet did not secure the competition’s top prize, the act resonated with the audience and earned them the audience prize, amounting to one million rubles. The dynamic duo showcased strong on-screen chemistry and a flair for entertainment that helped broaden Milokhin’s reach beyond his core audience, reinforcing the value of cross-field collaborations for internet personalities in Russia and beyond.
In late October 2022, Milokhin announced his departure from Ice Age and left Russia, a move that generated significant media discussion. He returned to Russia in early September 2023. Following his return, Ekaterina Mizulina, head of the Secure Internet League, issued a Telegram appeal to the top leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense, advocating for Milokhin’s conscription. By mid-September, news emerged that the influencer had departed Russia again, this time moving to the United Arab Emirates. These developments reflect the often fluid mobility of high-profile digital figures who navigate public obligations, personal branding, and geopolitical considerations in parallel with their online careers.
Looking ahead, Milokhin is set to face Ajmal Khan, a fellow online creator with a substantial following, in a high-profile boxing match. The event is scheduled for February 16 at the ALPHA FIGHT SERIES competition in Dubai, a venue designed to showcase content creators crossing over into traditional sports entertainment. The bout is anticipated to attract wide attention from fans across social networks while serving as a test case for how influencer-driven promotions can translate into live sporting events, sponsorship deals, and broader media coverage that extends well beyond the digital sphere.
Industry observers are weighing Milokhin’s earnings potential for the forthcoming fight under MMA-style rules, considering how sponsorships, broadcasting rights, pay-per-view arrangements, and performance bonuses could influence total compensation. For fans and analysts alike, the discussion underscores a broader shift in which content creators diversify their revenue streams through a blend of appearances on television formats, live events, and strategic brand partnerships. Milokhin’s career illustrates the evolving economy of online stardom, where visibility on screen often intersects with real-world opportunities across media, sports, and entertainment markets.
Ultimately, Milokhin’s experiences highlight the modern path for social media personalities: monetize creatively, navigate public interest and legal considerations, and leverage platform versatility to expand reach while pursuing high-profile collaborations and events as a core strategy for sustained influence and financial growth.