is it worth it being a professional MM artist?

Too Defensive · 05-29-2009, 08:46 AM

I didn't know where to put this, so I am putting it here:

I was wondering how much the average MMA clears per fight. The average Joe Schmoe.

Also wanted to know what his expenses are: traveling, camp fees, how much of the winnings he has to give to his camp etc.

And: do most pros have second jobs, or is there enough opportunity out there to just train and fight full time.

Lastly: does any one know exactly how much that 6 figure contract is they give those fighters on the show?

Thanks

DrBdan · 05-29-2009, 09:05 AM

You might also want to post this question in the Ask the Fighters forum.

About the 6 figure contract, here is some info from Wikipedia...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ult...igure_contract

Quote:

The winners of the first three seasons of The Ultimate Fighter competition, and certain runners-up depending on their performance in their competition finals, receive the touted "six-figure" contract to fight in the UFC. These contracts are specifically three-year contracts with a guaranteed first year. Each year consists of three fights, the first year's purse per fight consists of $12,000 guaranteed with a $12,000 win bonus (a maximum of $24,000 per fight), the second year's purse per fight is $16,000 with a $16,000 win bonus (a maximum of $32,000 per fight) and the third year's purse per fight is at $22,000 with a $22,000 win bonus (a maximum of $44,000 per fight). A TUF winner who goes 9-0 can earn $300,000 total on the contract, but only $150,000 is guaranteed for all three years if 9 fights are fought.[2]

Those that have not won the competition can still fight in the UFC. Their contracts however are not the same as the six-figure deal above.

The lower level guys that fight in the UFC often make less than 10k per fight, for example Brandon Wolff only received $3000 for losing at UFC 98 while Tim Hague made $10,000 (5k for showing, 5k for winning). I imagine a lot of those guys have to maintain a second job with those salaries. Actually I think I remember hearing that Jason MacDonald was working a part-time job even while he was fighting the UFC and he was a middle of the pack guy.

I'm interested in hearing what some of the smaller organizations pay their fighters. I wonder if a fighter would have to a take a pay cut to come to the UFC on an entry level contract.

ChachiKiller · 05-29-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBdan

You might also want to post this question in the Ask the Fighters forum.

About the 6 figure contract, here is some info from Wikipedia...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ult...igure_contract

The lower level guys that fight in the UFC often make less than 10k per fight, for example Brandon Wolff only received $3000 for losing at UFC 98 while Tim Hague made $10,000 (5k for showing, 5k for winning). I imagine a lot of those guys have to maintain a second job with those salaries. Actually I think I remember hearing that Jason MacDonald was working a part-time job even while he was fighting the UFC and he was a middle of the pack guy.

I'm interested in hearing what some of the smaller organizations pay their fighters. I wonder if a fighter would have to a take a pay cut to come to the UFC on an entry level contract.

I have heard of fighters making as low as $300 per fight. Some $1K. If you can get a belt in a smaller org, you can prob make more $ than you could entering larger promoter. You would need to be training for a long time and competing against lesser opponents. However you are at a ceiling and will take abuse either way. You can get to the top of a smaller org and still hold a job. However training for UFC fights and not to be a hack, would prob require the investment of training full time. Most of that could be working at a gym.

Want to be a fighter, keep your pants on or have a lady who works. Give yourself a chance.

Jake Pudenz · 05-29-2009, 09:30 AM

I typically make in the neighborhood of $500 to show and $500 to win with paid travel. I know some guys who are reimbursed strictly on how many tickets they personally sell. As far as a second job, I am a full time student so I don't really have time for another job. For my training, the gym I am at doesn't make me pay since I have gotten the gym exposure through tv(just around Iowa) and I get my strength and conditioning training for free because I am an intern at the gym.

Too Defensive · 05-29-2009, 09:54 AM

Thats freakin rough man. Joe Rogan is always talking about the opportunities that are opening up. But $300- 500 a fight? Damn. Thats not even enough to cover training expenses. Thats F*cked up.

Jake Pudenz · 05-29-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Too Defensive

Thats freakin rough man. Joe Rogan is always talking about the opportunities that are opening up. But $300- 500 a fight? Damn. Thats not even enough to cover training expenses. Thats F*cked up.

Yeah it is tough but at the same time it is a good side job for a college student. I am just looking to get through my undergrad and then go to UNLV for grad school to open up more train opportunities for myself.

Too Defensive · 05-29-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake Pudenz

Yeah it is tough but at the same time it is a good side job for a college student. I am just looking to get through my undergrad and then go to UNLV for grad school to open up more train opportunities for myself.

ITs probably every MMA dream to get to the UFC, but the chances are probably slim to none. Am i right?

Jake Pudenz · 05-29-2009, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Too Defensive

ITs probably every MMA dream to get to the UFC, but the chances are probably slim to none. Am i right?

For the average fighter I would say yes. It is a very big feat to reach that level. For myself I think I have a great chance though. A 4-4 record isn't too stellar but I have fought some really tough guys pretty well and I'm only 20 so I have a lot of room to grow. The biggest problem with most other people though is that they don't get instant success and quit. They either aren't willing or aren't able financially to put in the time it takes to be successful at this sport.

ChachiKiller · 05-29-2009, 10:42 AM

Think about the amateurs. They don't get cash. Only pride.

So many people are entering the sport though. I don't see that changing.

ktrp · 05-29-2009, 10:56 AM

Consistent UFC headliner - earns pretty decent money.
Your casual friends know who they are - currently earning a living.
You know who they are thanks to reading about MMA - might be able to do MMA full time through a combo of sponsorships and perhaps teaching some intro classes at their gym.
You don't know who they are - either working another job or are sleeping on someone's couch and working at the gym in exchange for training and food.

You become a pro fighter because you feel compelled to do so. Unless you are extremely talented or really hopeless at anything else in life, its not likely to be the best financial decision. Not many fighters make more then say plumbers. The most successful 30 or 40 fighters are making decent money, but I bet if you found the highest paid 30 or 30 fighters on the planet, they're somehow making more.