Strategy for Maximizing Your Pay as a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter.
As my buddy Paul Chittenden and I were chatting recently, the topic of fighter compensation and the current hysteria surrounding UFC salary came up. As opposed to the best fighters, why does it seem like the remainder of the squad is scraping by?
The topic shifted to the business strategies that some boxers use to generate a lot of money while having a lackluster record.
Paul helps athletes and business entrepreneurs develop their impact and monetize their brands. He’s been following mixed martial arts (MMA) since UFC I and is an expert at finding ways to increase athletes’ earnings.
Since I know many of you have desires to take your MMA love to the professional level, I wanted to get Paul over and get his opinions on how fighters could set their careers up for financial success.
Many people fantasize about earning a livelihood fighting and being rich. Yet, many professional boxers are suffering financially.
Still, some fighters have found the formula to become living legends, MMA rockstars. And, they’ve earned millions.
For a long time, I’ve made it my business to learn from the best of the best in sports and business. I have researched the processes through which famous people rise to prominence and how influential people earn their living. The meteoric ascent to prominence of Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor has been dissected and studied by me.
As a result of my investigation, I’ve learned many techniques that may help mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter launch their career, expand their sphere of influence, and make more money.
In this piece, I’ll explain the process in detail, but first, let’s examine the compensation for fighters.
I was wondering, how much do MMA fighters make?
As of right now, the UFC is a hotbed of discontent about fighter compensation.
To the untrained eye, it may seem like the best mixed martial artists in the world earn millions of dollars every bout. Top-tier fighters are earning a lot of money, but the salaries of middle- and even lower-tier competitors may surprise you.
Unless you’re at the very top of the MMA industry, fighters are grossly underpaid compared to athletes in other sports.
In 2018, the average UFC fighter earned $138,250. However, the best fighters significantly distort this average with their massive pay-per-view audiences.
Only 350 UFC competitors, out of a total of 589 with reported earnings, earned more than $50,000 in 2019.
Now we’re talking Ultimate Fighting Championship stakes. Lower-tier companies are often paying less than this.
Just how do mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters earn a living?
Most mixed martial artists also hold down regular jobs.
The basic fact is, in most organizations, fighters are paid to fight. The winner receives a higher percentage of the total compensation than the loser, but both get a salary.
Some organizations pay a part of ticket sales or even have the combatants themselves sell tickets. The combatant will get tickets at a discount and pocket the savings.
Some event organizers may cover logistical costs including lodging, meals, and transportation.
Earnings may also be supplemented by participating in endorsement deals, selling items, and giving public or private lessons, workshops, or seminars.
What Costs Do MMA Athletes Have to Consider?
Similar business skills are required in the battle game. Unlike regular employees, who keep the whole of their paychecks after taxes, mixed martial artists have “work expenditures” deducted from their wins.
Just like a company owner, they need to keep their finances in order. A good illustration, provided by Myles Jury:
Our sample boxer is on a $10,000 / $10,000 contract. This implies they are paid a $10,000 basic wage and a $10,000 victory bonus. He wins and earns $20k.
The price our warrior must pay is:
Taxes – 30%, $6,000
Compensation for administration: $4,000 (20% of annual revenue).
Weight Room Membership: $2,000 (or 10% of a purse)
Cost of an Advisor – $1000
Spend $1,000 on travel expenses.
Budget Busting: $14,000
Money Won by Fighter: $6,000
As this illustration indicates, fighters’ expenditures consume a significant chunk of their income.
It’s not easy to save just $6,000 out of a $20,000 paycheck. If he had lost the war, the financial situation would be considerably bleaker. Fighters need to think like a businessman to enhance this revenue.
From Amateur to Mixed Martial Arts If this is your first battle, it won’t matter; you’ll still be treated like a rock star.
The vast majority of fighters are concerned only with training and earning ends meet. They don’t do the work required to promote themselves effectively.
The thrill of combat sports lies in the fact that competitors may face off in front of a cheering audience. Everyone in the crowd is there observing you.
Take a look back in time. Wars have always been waged by men to establish their supremacy. The gladiators fought before packed stadiums of spectators.
Every guy (and some women) fantasizes about being locked up like that. They wish they were more skilled, more disciplined, and maybe more courageous.
You’re performing on a stage. For a brief period of time, you will be well recognized even amongst nonprofessionals.
I’m going to teach you how to take advantage of this.
The Two Rules for a Successful MMA Career
To make a successful run at a top-tier MMA company like the UFC or Bellator, there are two rules.
These same two guidelines are what the top personalities in the sport utilize to negotiate the largest compensation.
They are basic, yet occasionally in conflict with one other.
Win
Engage in a Fight That People Will Enjoy
Keep in mind that the money in fighting comes from fans and ticket purchases. The Dana Whites are seeking warriors who will “fill the seats.”
To Be Successful, One Must Be Victorious in Combat
I mean, come on, guys, this is common sense. You have to win bouts on the amateur circuit before you can make it to the pros.
Staying in the major leagues requires a consistent winning record, or at least the victory of enough bouts to maintain one’s position in the rankings.
