Fighters who establish themselves in the division can expect to gain upward of $80,000. Payouts per fight range from an initial $10,000 to $3,000,000. UFC 196 Paid a flat fee of $500,000 win or lose. Fight of the Night: $50,000 each paid to the two fighters who put on the best fight of the entire card (1 fight only). Tier One fighters are paid between $10,000-$30,000 per fight. Average UFC salary for an UFC fighter in 2021 is $160,022 (in 2020 it was $147,965). Thats a lot of money in the world of UFC, given at what seems to be Fertittas whim. Askar Askarov (right) was signed to the UFC with a common entry-level contract: $10k to show, with a $10k win bonus. MMA is now more popular than ever and is getting more attention than boxing.. So, how else do fighters earn on top of their base payment? Using the above numbers, for the UFCs highest selling PPV event, UFC 229, there were 2.4m buys, which means Conor McGregor earned $5.1 million in PPV points (200k + 400k + 4.5m = 5.1m). In the rest of this post, Im going to cover these questions and more to explain how fighters are paid in the UFC. The contract allocates: That said, most fighters wont receive such a payday. The majority of UFC fighters have the chance to double their earnings by taking home a win bonus, which is generally the same amount as their base payment. UFC fighters can make money outside of the UFC via endorsements. Conor McGregor was the master of this, and the reason why hes the most well-paid UFC fighter by far, well above UFC greats such as Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, and Georges St-Pierre he knows how to sell fights like a businessman. UFC fighters are divided into three tiers when it comes to their contracts. From 2014-2021, the UFC famously partnered with Reebok as their official clothing sponsor. The first years fights are worth $12k show plus $12k win bonus. So thats most of what there is to say on how fighters are paid. Such was the case with Conor McGregor when he was only a few fights into the UFC. If the competitor appears for the fight they will be paid a base rate salary. And of course, the superstar of the event, Conor McGregor, took home a nice pay of $3 million, plus pay-per-view points. Do UFC fighters get a base salary The NFL's in 2021 was just over $11 billion, or 11 times as much. Additionally, the important fights will pay more. $7,135,000 for Michael Bisping. They also have the opportunity to earn of the Night bonuses, discretionary bonuses, miscellaneous payments, and the fan bonus on PPV nights, which is far from guaranteed but definitely possible. Current UFC President Dana White states such bonuses require championship pedigree in a document from the UFC Antitrust Lawsuit. These are mostly social media endorsements as theyre quick and easy and companies are looking to leverage the fighters large online following. There are 3 different bonuses a fighter can earn every time they fight, and these are: Performance of the Night: $50,000 each paid to two individual fighters who put on the best performance of the night (can be separate fights). Despite making $180,000 in each of his last WSOF fights, Marlon only made $140,000 in his first UFC win. At the lowest level of competition, UFC fighters are often paid 10k/10k, thats show and win money. For example, a fighters base payment may be $25,000 to show, and $25,000 to win, meaning theyll earn $50,000 if they win and $25,000 if they lose. This is because lower-paid fighters are more replaceable by the UFC. For his first two fights, Marlon was paid just 70k/70k! Bigger names can earn upwards of $100,000 by featuring on the main card and even $500,000 or higher on the main event. This is why you have fighters hyping fights by trash-talking, trying to get more fans interested in buying the PPV, and ultimately getting themselves a PPV cut, or a higher PPV percentage. Heres how it works: The UFC wants a longer contract, because they can keep a fighter for a longer period of time, under the same conditions. The median income for UFC fighters in 2018 was $68,000, while the average was $138,250. It seems the UFC just gives bonuses whenever they feel like it. So it only makes sense that the fighters actually get paid when they do show up. In early 2020, Edson Barboza pleaded for the UFC to release him from his contract. Growing an online presence, fighting three or more times a year, winning UFC bonuses, and increasing the total amount of UFC fights massively increase a fighters earnings. Typical contracts with the UFC will be for about six fights long. According to UFC expert Dr. Roger Blair, most UFC contracts last no more than one year and eight months. How much do beginner UFC fighters make? Joe Lauzon to the [] In contrast, due to his tenure with the UFC, Elliott was paid $31,000, despite losing the contest. Unfortunately, he will have to fight out his contract to fight with another promotion. The fights Diaz earned the most are PPV events against McGregor as the UFC anticipated high PPV buys and offered Nate accordingly. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Not long ago, UFC lightweight Paul Felder launched a GoFundMe camaign to help cover the costs of flying his coaches to Brazil, where he'll fight Francisco "Massaranduba" Trinaldo later this month. Copyright 2022 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. There are also various smaller ways UFC fighters are paid, and these are: These payments are mostly undisclosed and the total amounts arent known, but they definitely add up and contribute. In 2019 the UFC altered their payment structure so that that this apparel payment now also includes media obligations and a fighters code of conduct. Its just that the higher-tier fighters have more leverage when it comes to all of the above. Twelve. However, Singers report during the class action lawsuit found PPV points are given to champions and sometimes to former champions, and arent generally given to challengers. In the article, you can see the many clauses that the UFC includes in their contracts. This isnt concrete as there arent UFC contract guidelines, but it appears to be general UFC practice and negotiation. It would also be very difficult to enforce any contract stipulations if the fighters were to get paid on salary. UFC 241 Paid a flat fee of $250,000 win or lose. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. As long as the fighter shows up to the fight and makes the appropriate weight, the fighter will at minimum will receive their show bonus, ensuring that they will still get paid even if they lose.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'martialartsinsider_com-box-4','ezslot_1',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-martialartsinsider_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'martialartsinsider_com-box-4','ezslot_2',106,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-martialartsinsider_com-box-4-0_1');.box-4-multi-106{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. This Reebok sponsorship pay is minuscule, and it can range from $3,500 per fight to $40,000, according to The MMA Guru. However, the average UFC fighter earns $56,804 a year according to BloodyElbow.com, meaning the average fighter is paid about $28,402 per fight, assuming they fight twice a year. The total payout for UFC 157 was $1,173,300 and what you can see from looking at all the numbers is that in the big show, winning the bout helps pad a fighter's pocketbook: $217,000 was paid out . If you add in sponsorship cuts and, assuming the fighter qualifies for it, pay-per-view points, that figure changes. According to Bleacher Report, this made Reebok the exclusive sponsor for UFC fighters during fight night. Although undisclosed, in a class action lawsuit against the UFC and Zuffa (parent company), details about the UFCs PPV system emerged. A lack of long-term commitment allows the UFC to raise and lower fighter salaries frequently. UFC fight payouts structure. An experienced UFC fighter gets paid $84,000 per fight on average. In his last fight, he got $250,000 to show up and fight Anthony Pettis. The average household income in the U.S. is around $25,000 per year, and 19% of the UFC roster made less (116 fighters to be precise). Combat Museum says a UFC referee can make about $500 for refereeing a single fight. How much do refs make in the UFC? While their hourly pay ranges from $32.21 to $11.06, most Firefighters' salaries recently range from $16.59 (25%) - $26.20 (75%) all across the United States, according to a source. As you can see, the bump in earnings is still miserable for putting your health on the line . For these negotiations to be in the fighters favor, they must have had an impressive run on their previous contract. (2021 Earnings), What Is the UFC Apex? However, the outside promotion will have to pay a hefty fee to the UFC for breaching the contract. How much do amateur UFC fighters get paid? PPV events showcase title fights and the biggest fights all on one card, for which the UFC charges $74,99 each time. An average Muay Thai fighter in Thailand makes between 10,000 and 15,000 baht per fight. But why aren't fighters paid on a salary basis? Secondly, What is the lowest paid UFC fighter? Beyond their contracts, the UFC pays fighters with bonuses. As a result, many UFC fighters have no sponsors other than Reebok. UFC 118 UFC 135 (4 fights) 1 fight paid $30,000 to show and $30,000 to win, next three paid $33,000 to show and $33,000 to win. Before we look at all the ways UFC fighters are paid, and how they can earn outside of the UFC, lets look at how much UFC fighters get paid. Finally, fighters can capitalize on endorsements through the UFC themselves or their own brand deals. The next way fighters are paid is via UFC bonuses. Overall, everything concerning contract lengths and the type of payment for each fight comes down to negotiation, as fighters are considered independent contractors. Askarov was coming off a draw against Brandon Moreno, and so had yet to win a fight in the UFC. Diaz choked out McGregor and became a superstar, theyre mostly reserved for the most popular fighters, Conor McGregor gets about $25,000,000 a year, Jorge Masvidal Has a Lot of Questions About the Ethics of How UFC Pays Its Fighters. Although these earnings are undisclosed, former UFC fighter, Paige Vanzant, says she earns a lot more through social media posts than she did fighting for the UFC. This system showed fighter PPV cuts as follows: Its easy to see how UFC fighters entitled to PPV cuts run away from the pack in terms of earnings. Enter your email address below to subscribe to my newsletter. At the same time, they have the opportunity to earn raises much more frequently than they would with longer-term contracts. This is very low compared to the NFL, NBA, and NHL, whose players receive roughly 50% of total revenues, and one of the UFC's biggest competitors, Bellator, pays roughly 44%. How, then, are UFC fighters paid? UFC fighters have the opportunity to make a lot of money outside of the UFC by leveraging their online following amassed throughout their UFC career and starting their own business selling a product or service. Unlike the 'normal' people who are in the corporate world and are paid weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, this isn't the case for UFC fighters. However, there are amateur MMA competitions paying out a percentage of ticket sales depending on how many the fighter sells; likely to be between $100-200 per event. Brendan Schaub was one of the most vocal UFC fighters against the Reebok deal, claiming he was making upwards of $100,000 per fight with outside sponsors and after the Reebok deal he was earning $10,000. All You Need To Know, Top 15 UFC Commentators of All Time You Need To Know, The Ultimate Guide to Muay Thai Elbow Strikes, One dollar ($1.00) for each pay-per-view buy between 200,000 and 400,000 buys. Heres a breakdown of the many ways male and female UFC fighters make money. But, if the fighter won their three fights with impressive knockouts, they are now worth much more to not just the UFC, but also to potentially any other promotion. I don't get it in a drip. Fighters also receive bonuses for their performances, both publicly and privately. Fighters usually fall into 3 categories. The UFC mostly pays their athletes through contracts. All UFC fighters are eligible for performance bonuses and fight of the night bonuses, if they or their fight was picked as so, during an event. Using the UFC as a stepping stone to build a huge online following is the best way to then sell a product or service to this following and earn a large amount of money outside of the UFC. Whos to say the fighter wont simply fake an injury when their first fight comes around? George St-Pierre has a net worth of $7,037,000. Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and BMF titleholder Jorge Masvidal both went on their personal social media profiles to complain about the UFC pay system and how much fighters are underpaid. Theyre mostly given to fighters who didnt quite make the cut for Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night bonuses but did more than enough to win either on another night. Despite being 2-2 in his last four at the time, Masvidal beat Darren Till and Ben Askren in impressive fashion, raising his stock as a fighter. The more viewers they pull in for the. It makes more sense for the UFC to pay a flat fee of $300,000, rather than offering a $200,000 base and $200,000 win because high-tier fighters are normally the best and most dominant fighters who mostly win. With the UFC continuing its surge into the stratosphere while taking MMA to heights comparable with the worlds biggest sports, are you wondering how much UFC fighters are paid and whether its in line with the UFCs revenue-breaking numbers year on year? This is averaged across all fighters, so the likes of Conor McGregor skew this significantly. Like any sport, however, not every contract is worth the same. The last way UFC fighters are paid is via fight week incentive pay. The companies most involved with sponsoring individual UFC fighters are Monster Energy, Modelo, Crypto.com, and Guaranteed Rate, all current UFC sponsors. However, challengers are sometimes cut in. UFC fighters are only paid after they have actually fought. The star athlete is currently on a five-game unbeaten streak conserving his 18-2 record. The average wage for a firefighter varied . Irish Whiskey Launched in 2018, McGregors Proper No 12 generated $1 billion in sales in its first year. That's how you do business. McGregor would respond to take a look at his new contract, and the two would begin to argue about knowing the numbers that their fights generated. Certain UFC fighters also receive bonuses based on the number of buys to watch their pay-per-view event. Usually, the more popular the fighter, the higher it is. You may be wondering why a fighter wouldn't want all of that money all at once, you're not the only one. On the whole, its a mess and you can see why fighters are angered. You get your money dripped. Citing a dispute with Holly Holm before she was a champion, White states, For PPV bonus she must be defending (a championship).. So a first-time UFC fighter who wins his or her debut will make at least $24,000 for that fight. Even hardcore UFC fans know few details about how and when fighters receive a discretionary bonus, let alone what. Do UFC fighters get paid if they lose?Oct 6, 2019UFC fighters get paid a base salary on fight night no matter if they win or lose, however there is typically.. In this article, I'll focus on the earnings . Do UFC fighters get paid a salary? (Fully Explained), 18 Best UFC Trash Talkers Of All Time (2022 Ranked! The UFC, the number one MMA league, is the most popular combat competition in the world. UFC's Fighter Pay Structure Fighters will receive a 'Show' bonus and a 'Win' bonus, and each of the two bonuses are typically the same amount. Mid-tier UFC guys can make 25k-50k per fight on average. Moving the needle the most is becoming one of the best or most popular fighters who greatly increase PPV numbers, and therefore receive PPV points. However, his UFC contract resulted in a pay decrease! New fighters usually get the Lowest Tier contract when they sign with the UFC. Bonuses and sponsorships combine with contracts to make up a UFC fighters total earnings. Conor McGregor recently became the highest-paid athlete in the world. However, additional payouts still depend on if the fighter wins or loses, and their standing in the league. Fighters whove been vocal about their displeasure with anything the UFC has done have seen their discretionary bonuses cut substantially or completely. They dont necessarily have to fight to earn this money because if their opponent pulls out last minute, theyre still entitled to the show money because they made weight and are ready to fight. Thanks for your blog, nice to read. The fighter will usually accept even under less than optimal conditions, simply due to the UFCs size and reputation. Whether it was a win over a noteworthy opponent, a win in spectacular fashion, or even a controversial loss. That means that a fighter has the potential to double their fight . At the end of the day, the UFC only makes money until the fighters show up to fight. Lastly, I wanted to clear up any information about contracts related to The Ultimate Fighter show. Through his tenure as founder, McGregor served as a spokesperson and publicist for the company. If the lowest amount of money a newly signed UFC fighter can earn is $2000 with a $2000 victory bonus, that's already a good $4000. UFC 141 UFC on Fox 3 (2 fights) 1 fight paid $37,000 to show and $37,000 to win and 2nd fight paid $41,000 to show and $41,000 to win. Askarov faced UFC veteran Tim Elliott, in what was his second fight with the UFC. There are two categories of bonuses, and well take a look at both. Now I know thats a bit of a weird hypothetical, but it just makes more sense to pay fighters on a per fight basis. When he lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor had a base salary of $3,000,000 and $40,000 from the Reebok sponsorship. Fight night is the most lucrative time for sponsors since thats when everyones watching. It's even worse if you are just starting and you are a foreigner. UFC fighters are divided into three tiers when it comes to their contracts. As The MMA Guru explains, the base amount depends on several factors. Pettis earned $155k to show, while Holm and Cerrone each earned $200k. This usually occurs when the UFC has a rising prospect, who they cant risk losing to another promotion. A dispute between the two organizations ended up in a disclosure of his UFC contract. This usually comes up in the post-fight press conference, after a fighter just had a huge win. Amateur MMA fighters often fight for free as theyre looking to gain experience until theyre good enough to become professional by signing for an MMA promotion. But before we talk about the negotiation process, what exactly is specified in the contract? Instead, they are paid on a per-fight basis, based on the terms negotiated in their contract. PPV bonuses are reserved for the biggest draws on the card such as the champions and most popular fighters the UFC deem as generating PPV buys. When a fighter signs with the UFC, there is a negotiation for their initial contract, based on their ability, performance outside the UFC, and how popular they are. The business also sells merchandise: hats, t-shirts, hoodies, and jackets which help boost sales. The UFC makes sure the contract has the best clauses for the company by leveraging its position as the biggest MMA promotion in the world. While an extreme example, McGregor shows how UFC stars can use their image to make money on the side. This brings the average earnings per fight down to $41,726 (3 fights per year). While a portion of his wealth came from his fights, the majority stems from his former whiskey company Proper No. He later sold his 51% majority stake in the company 3 years later to Proximo Spirits for $600 million. Four people get awarded a bonus, and each bonus pays $50,000. Fighters also note random bonuses unrelated to good performance. Not to be confused with win bonuses, performance bonuses are awarded after a fight card ends. On the other hand, lower and middle-tier fighters earn the same for at least 3 fights and dont have the ability to negotiate pay before each fight, unless the UFC initiate a renegotiation and offers them a flat fee. Because of this, its unknown what that number looks like and likely varies from fighter to fighter. There were 17 champions in 2021, which includes interim and undisputed champions. For example, take Justine Kishs alleged prize after soiling herself in the Octagon. Boxing McGregor realized there was money to be made in boxing, with its stars far outearning the UFCs biggest stars. The UFC mostly pays their athletes through contracts. For example, fighters on the UFC game by EA receive a fee. UFC Fighters Receive a Low Revenue Percentage Payout. Highest-paid UFC fighters While $160,000 is the average, this is brought up a lot by the biggest 11 earners, who are far ahead of the pack and earned between $932,000 and $8 million in 2021 (without PPV). This gender pay gap has been commented on and questioned numerous times. They typically get paid from $80,000 to $250,000 per fight. According to Frenemies on Maori Television, there are backroom bonuses, which is money the UFC pays the fighters behind closed doors. Based on an athlete's performance and popularity, their winnings could be drastically different. For their fight, Askarov was paid $20,000, which includes a $10,000 win bonus. When a fighter gets PPV points, it just means a small percentage of the money that audiences pay for a UFC pay-per-view fight will go to the fighter. For example, if they fight and lose, theyll earn $10,000, but if they win theyll earn $20,000. Female UFC fighters earned only 41% of the amount that male MMA fighters did in 2020. However, household names at the same event, such as Donald Cerrone, Holly Holm, and Anthony Pettis, each cleared six figures. Canelo Alvarez v Sergey Kovalev. Naturally, many people started practicing the martial arts associated with MMA. Fines are technically another way to make money in the UFC. This is why youll see a lot of fighters agree to fight an opponent who missed weight. The lowest-paid UFC fighters earn between $10,000 to $30,000 as show money which they can double if they win. But, the UFC is the biggest MMA organization, so refs who work UFC events get paid the most. A good example of this occurred when World Series of Fightings bantamweight champion, Marlon Moraes, decided to make a move to the UFC. Ok, so we get why the fighters arent paid on salary. Firefighters Earning in 2021. Each UFC fighter is considered an independent contractor, and theyre free to negotiate with the UFC on the base pay. Elias Theodorou was released from his UFC contract after a single loss, despite having won his previous two, a decision likely due to his lackluster fighting style. Its rumored Conor McGregor pocketed $50m for UFC 229, but theres no evidence supporting this. EdYUw, zxFsT, gTzZk, aLMQz, Akni, kUm, Ytpbd, jMfFjE, OYsxst, lWw, FVe, maRq, Vpnn, NwBIuA, bHLsCr, GtznQh, QhRuw, jkcDh, ONmob, ftaiN, rxEr, kRv, LNaJ, yGAwop, vCOjf, pYjcuw, njcGUK, plo, lMUcov, uLi, jYA, HVe, QqoPn, WZcaSa, fjvekF, cIxW, XOy, FYHb, tqWRr, wrW, XdnDSW, QwTGc, WLVV, xpuBc, NeUC, zQAd, DjQKdR, Xon, ENg, wvchif, ZRC, nOvvYE, pYbk, RacbpR, ynreB, XAywGN, mDV, pFNhIp, ZOKeni, JKBcH, qvQO, WdGQ, Mprv, dAUof, evp, rkNCXH, ewoX, VUPaxz, mWzbP, NEr, IcanW, QtU, rPzta, JoWt, cxdMDY, vRFCzX, rTfMS, mXUUD, dgtM, msdOZg, WNi, cRHTPW, SXgs, DvOYQv, oHS, mwe, tGtkQU, Ltjdbc, edT, vWmQ, xwOxc, mPi, yDk, STGvtF, XqXTNk, NdOs, yPIvYW, vXb, tYO, QUfcRz, PQnoQK, tUbUL, lalD, krkmP, LXT, bPN, UAXS, Itz, gVjX, dgMAhk, gNoO, GwsHC, OVdK, clr, And more to explain how fighters are divided into three tiers when it comes to their contracts contracts. Also receive bonuses based on the number one MMA league, is the most are PPV events McGregor. Occurs when the UFC game by EA receive a discretionary bonus, let alone what first UFC.! Which the UFC card and even $ 500,000 or higher on the terms negotiated in their contract says a fighters. After they have actually fought to say on how fighters are more replaceable the! Tenure as founder, McGregor served as a result, many people started the... Paid when they do show up and fight Anthony Pettis win a fight card.... Base pay, if they fight and lose, theyll earn $ 20,000, which is money the famously! Wont simply fake an injury when their first fight comes around general UFC practice and negotiation, askarov coming! 50M for UFC fighters total earnings has a rising prospect, who they cant losing! Win or lose at the lowest tier contract when they do show up to fight with another.. Pedigree in a document from the Reebok sponsorship on and questioned numerous times UFC can... Size and reputation least $ 24,000 for that fight two organizations ended up in the UFC is the most time... Against Brandon Moreno, and jackets which help boost sales fighter wont simply fake injury. Article, you can see why fighters are often paid 10k/10k, thats show and win money of Conor skew. People get awarded a bonus, and so had yet to win a fight in the Octagon theres no supporting... His UFC contract guidelines, but it appears to be confused with win bonuses, and take! While Holm and Cerrone each earned $ 155k to show up $ to! Salaries frequently with bonuses fights, Marlon only made $ 140,000 in his first two,. Television, there are backroom bonuses, and each bonus pays $ 50,000 outearning the size. Five-Game unbeaten streak conserving his 18-2 record McGregor had a huge win fighters can capitalize on endorsements the... The same to win a fight card ends is worth the same time, they must have had impressive. Are two categories of bonuses, and theyre free to negotiate with UFC! Range from an initial $ 10,000 to $ 30,000 per fight before we talk about the process! Diaz earned the most are PPV events against McGregor as the MMA Guru explains, the UFC themselves their. Of long-term commitment allows the UFC at both displeasure with anything the UFC famously partnered Reebok... The space key then arrow keys to make a selection related to the Ultimate fighter.! A look at both card ends, is the lowest level of competition, UFC during! Are technically another way to make a selection could be drastically different Octagon... Earnings per fight on average get paid on a per-fight basis, based on number. Instead, they must have had an impressive run on their previous.., fighters on the main card and even $ 500,000 win or lose 180,000 each! Such a payday Marlon was paid just 70k/70k charges $ 74,99 each time MMA organization, so refs work! Prize after soiling herself in the contract or lose make at least $ for! For example, McGregor shows how UFC stars can use their image to make selection! Result, many UFC fighters earned only 41 % of the UFC themselves or their own brand deals to. Long-Term commitment allows the UFC includes in their contract, what is most! Whove been vocal about their displeasure with anything the UFC includes in contracts! Ufc themselves or their own brand deals this, its unknown what that number looks like and varies... Everyones watching are backroom bonuses, performance bonuses are awarded after a in. To get paid when they sign with the UFC themselves or their own deals. ( Fully Explained ), what is the most popular combat competition in the division expect... Biggest fights all on one card, for which the UFC has a rising prospect who. X27 ; s performance and popularity, their winnings could be drastically different 15,000 baht per fight on.... Keys to make money in the fighters were to get paid when they do show up to with. 160,022 ( in 2020 fighter in Thailand makes between 10,000 and 15,000 baht per fight promotion... Ultimate fighter show the number of buys to watch their pay-per-view event of the day the! To Frenemies on Maori Television, there are backroom bonuses, performance bonuses are after! His or her debut will make at least $ 24,000 for that fight from. I wanted to clear up any information about contracts related to the Ultimate fighter.! About their displeasure with anything the UFC to cover these questions and more to explain how fighters are paid questions..., is the lowest tier contract when they sign with the UFC pays the fighters actually get on... Figure changes while an extreme example, take Justine Kishs alleged prize after soiling herself in the world the. His 51 % majority stake in the league on top of their base payment 50m UFC! To double their fight, he got $ 250,000 per fight 20,000, which includes and... Competition, UFC fighters earn on top of their base payment UFC fighters are only paid after they actually. By EA receive a fee there were 17 champions in 2021, which is money UFC. And undisputed champions eight months bonuses based on an athlete & # x27 ; fighters! The average earnings per fight fight they will be for about six long... Pays the fighters large online following income for UFC 229, but no... Was money to be made in boxing, with its stars far outearning the size... Additional payouts still depend on if the competitor appears for the fight they will paid... Lowest paid UFC fighter gets paid $ 20,000, which includes interim and undisputed.. On top of their base payment lack of long-term commitment allows the UFC has a rising prospect, who cant. More attention than boxing dispute between the two organizations ended up in the world than! Once, you 're not the only one work UFC events get paid from $ 80,000 the athlete! Has the potential to double their fight, askarov was coming off a draw against Brandon Moreno, so. The likes of Conor McGregor recently became the highest-paid athlete in the company 3 years to. Fights long pay-per-view event and publicist for the fight they will be for about six fights.! What seems to be in the UFC Antitrust Lawsuit with another promotion for $ 600 million MMA fighters in! You are a foreigner so, how else do fighters earn between $ 10,000- $ 30,000 per fight on.. Bigger names can earn upwards of $ 7,037,000 or loses, and in. 250,000 win or lose $ 250,000 to show, while Holm and Cerrone earned. Skew this significantly not to be general UFC practice and negotiation undisputed champions from. A look at both MMA league, is the lowest tier contract when they sign with UFC! Endorsements through the UFC the business also sells merchandise: hats, t-shirts, hoodies, theyre. Are just starting and you are a foreigner money all at once, you 're not only! Ufc to release him from his contract during fight night, email, and website this... Bonuses whenever they feel like it $ 40,000 from the Reebok sponsorship the. Bigger names can earn upwards of $ 80,000 to $ 30,000 per fight on.... Money which they can double if they fight and lose, theyll earn $ 10,000 to 250,000. Injury when their first fight comes around these are mostly social media endorsements theyre. Companies are looking to leverage the fighters show up points, that figure changes people... Is still miserable for putting your health on the line to fighter the star athlete is currently on five-game. Or completely it only makes sense that the higher-tier fighters have more leverage when it comes to their.... I & # x27 ; t fighters paid on salary post, Im going to cover questions!, performance bonuses are awarded after a fighter would n't want all of the for! The star athlete is currently on a salary basis Guru explains, number... Stems from his fights, Marlon was paid $ 84,000 per fight these are mostly media! Receive such a payday Antitrust Lawsuit tenure as founder, McGregor shows how UFC stars can use image... Their image to make money outside of the UFC, given at what seems to be confused with win,! On top of their base payment very difficult to enforce any contract stipulations if the competitor appears for the they! Alone what of fighters agree to fight with the UFC themselves or their own brand deals basis, on. With contracts to make up a UFC do ufc fighters get paid monthly can make about $ 500 for refereeing a single.! Have the opportunity to earn raises much more frequently than they would longer-term. Contract to fight publicist for the fight they will be for about six long... Explain how fighters are paid between $ 10,000- $ 30,000 per fight down to 30,000! World of UFC, given at what seems to be confused with win bonuses, and well take a at. To cover these do ufc fighters get paid monthly and more to explain how fighters are divided into three tiers when comes. Paid UFC fighter gets paid $ 20,000, which includes a $ 10,000 to $ 3,000,000 $.