Why Your Favorite UFC Fighters Go Broke

UFC fighters don't get paid as much as you'd think.

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As the UFC has gained more mainstream popularity, some of its top athletes have become international superstars. Sold out arenas in Vegas and across the world, Fight Night on ESPN, millions of dollars pouring in from Pay-Per-View, and million dollar gates have contributed to the rise of the UFC.

What was once a fledgling company struggling to find its footing as a legitimate operation has turned into a multi billion dollar organization hosting live events throughout the world and developing little known fighters into international multi-millionaire superstars.

Here are a couple things that are really important when analyzing the finances of UFC athletes.

#1 - when a UFC athlete has reached the top and is able to command multiple six figures for a fight, he or she is typically only fighting once maybe twice per year. When you see someone earn $400,000 for a single night of work, that is essentially their yearly salary if they only have one fight per year.

#2 - unlike other professional sports, UFC fighters have gym fees, a coaching staff, a manager, sometimes medical expenses, traveling expenses, and an expensive dietary regimen given the demands of the sport.

#3 - when Reebok became the official sponsor of the UFC, a large portion of a fighter’s revenue was diminished as they were no longer allowed to have other sponsors on their outfits.

53% of UFC athletes have earned less than $100k total in career earnings. 69% of UFC athletes have earned less than $200k total. 84% have earned less than $500k. 91% have earned less than $1 million.

Topics covered in this video:
UFC fighter finances
Tyron Woodley spending money
How much the average UFC fighter makes in career earnings
Typical income for UFC fighters
Breakdown of a contender's finances
How easy it is for UFC fighter's to go broke