The Ultimate Fighting Championship(UFC) is the world’s largest mixed martial arts(MMA) organization. Its events are followed by millions of fans and its best-known stars earn millions of dollars. However, not all fighters have the same level of income, especially those who are just starting their careers in the octagon. So how much does a fighter earn in their first UFC fight?
The Basic Entry Contract
When a fighter first signs with the UFC, he or she usually gets a standard new talent contract. This contract usually offers a pay structure that is divided into two parts:
- Show money: about $10,000 USD.
- Win bonus: another $10,000 USD if the fighter is victorious.
This means that, in his first fight, a fighter can earn $10,000 just for stepping into the octagon and $20,000 if he wins.
Additional bonuses
Aside from the basic payout, fighters can also earn special bonuses awarded by the UFC after each event:
- Performance of the Night: $50,000
- Fight of the Night: $50,000 for each fighter who participates in the best fight of the event.
These bonuses are not guaranteed and are awarded at the discretion of the promotion. Sometimes, a debutant may receive one of these prizes if he/she delivers a spectacular performance.
Other Sources of Income
In addition to direct payment from the UFC, some fighters also earn money through:
- Personal sponsorships, although limited due to the UFC’ s exclusive agreement with brands such as Venum (formerly Reebok).
- UFC Sportswear Program (Venum) Incentives: depending on the number of fights, a newcomer usually receives an additional $4,000 for wearing the official apparel.
Real example:
A debuting fighter with no previous UFC experience could end up winning:
- $10,000 per presentation.
- $10,000 extra if you win.
- $4,000 for official sponsorship.
- Possibly $50,000 if you receive a special bonus.
Total possible: between $10,000 and $74,000 in his first fight, depending on results and bonuses.
Comparison with the Great Stars
While a debutant can earn between $10,000 and $20,000, elite fighters like Conor McGregor, Jon Jones or Israel Adesanya can earn millions per fight, including pay-per-view (PPV) appearances. However, getting to that level requires years of success, fame and victories.
Conclusion
Although a UFC fighter does not become rich in his first fight, the first contract represents a great opportunity to start building a professional MMA career. With good results, popularity and time, income can grow considerably. For many, the debut is just the first step toward true financial success inside the octagon.
