Broke Down The Numbers... A UFC newcomer

[rickdawson]

I work a desk job and for fun, I like to break down numbers from time to time for shits 'n' giggles. A new fighter has his first fight in the UFC... he's paid $8k to show and another $8k if he wins, plus there are opportunities for bonuses (big ones)... however let's just say that you don't win your first fight and you don't win FOTN.

Your purse is $8k... take away 30% for taxes

Now you're at $5,600, but now you have to pay your trainers + management fees (for argument sake let's say that you pay each 10%)

Now you are at $4,480 and you have 2 months until your next fight (sometimes longer, but let's say you get another one 8 weeks later)...

Your monthly income is $2,240 and you are in the NFL of Mixed Martial Arts... this doesn't include endorsements, seminars, etc. BUT STILL... I think that the fighters are a bit under compensated.


This also has to be an underlying reason why the undercard/prelim fights are sometimes more exciting than the main card fights... these guys are hungrier and want it more.

What are your thoughts on UFC payouts, should they be increased?

[Brent Smith]

I think it should be. If a mediocre boxer can make millions before all the texes and whatnot I dont see why an MMA fighter cant receive the same kind of compensation.

[Eddie Bravo]

I think new UFC fighters should be making TV money. If their fight gets shown on TV their purse should be bumped up to the 20k range at least. If no TV, then 8k might be the right number, just me thinking out my ass

[David Ogg]

Although its not always the case, the ufc are known to give extra money that's not included in their purse.

Dunno if this happens all the time, or to the new guys but I have heard lots of ufc fighters talk about it.

But yes, they should be paid more

[Chris Garry]

I remember my 2nd amateur fight I was getting a 50/50 ticket deal so made some nice cash. The same weekend a guy from another gym I trained with flew to Vegas and fought and lost on the UFC. Not only did I make more than him he failed to break even. This was 2008 and things have moved on but only as much as absolutely necessary in order for zuffa to max profits.

[Gray]

Purse is just stated amount. UFC pays fighters a lot under the table (ie, undisclosed from the AC). Things like public appearances, etc is where a lot of fighters make their real money from the UFC

[Cora Sek]

When Cora's coach Andrew "Highlight" Craig got his shot at the UFC and he had won 2 fights. One day I came to the gym and there was a lambogini sitting in front of the door. My first reaction was "damn, UFC is loaded!!!". Found out that the Lambo wasn't his and it belong to one of the CEO that was training there...LOL If the new UFC guys aren't making that much, I can't even begin to imagine what is being paid to the non-UFC fighters that trains full time. Most of these guys are barely making it, so sad. These guys are some of the nicest guys I know and they love what they do. I just hope they get paid a little more for their passion.

[Aaron Gustaveson]

I think new UFC fighters should be making TV money. If their fight gets shown on TV their purse should be bumped up to the 20k range at least. If no TV, then 8k might be the right number, just me thinking out my ass

sounds right to me. You cant always make a good living doing what many of us would consider a dream job.

but this has should include top of the line healthcare e for all fighters. It would cost thousands to get stitched up in the US, way more than your trainer and manager or even taxes would take.