UFC fighters can make a substantial amount of money for winning inside the octagon and securing performance bonuses, but how much does an MMA fighter make when they lose?
Some of the biggest names in the history of the sport, such as Conor McGregor, have still been able to rake it in taking an L inside the world-famous octagon.
Whilst not every fighter can command the salary of a ‘Notorious,’ they can still make some money not getting the win.
Here is everything you need to know about how much a UFC fighter makes when they lose inside the octagon based on the average.
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Do fighters get paid if they lose?
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 12: Chris Gutierrez knocks out Frankie Edgar with a knee to the face during their bantamweight fight at UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
As noted, yes, fighters in the UFC will get paid even if they lose a contest. However, the amount that they can get paid all depends on certain factors.
As revealed by Way of Martial Arts, there are three different types of contracts that UFC fighters can be on:
- “Lowest Tier: from $10,000 to $30,000 per fight. This is a type of contract that most new fighters get when they sign with the UFC.
- “Middle Tier: from $80,000 to $250,000 per fight. When new fighters get a few wins, establish themselves inside the Octagon, or are the pioneers of the game, they usually have a much better contract. Payouts are based on the fighter’s popularity and recent results. Based on that conditions the payouts for each fight range from somewhere north of tens of thousands of dollars, to a few hundred thousand dollars.
- “Highest Tier: from $500,000 to $3,000,000 per fight. UFC Champions and fighters with the biggest fan bases get the best type of contract. Based on their popularity among the fans and the viewer numbers they pull in for the UFC, they can earn as much as half a million dollars to three (or sometimes even more) million per fight.”
What is the average pay for UFC fighters?
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 06: Jorge Masvidal of the United States knocks out Ben Askren of the United States during their UFC 239 Welterweight Bout at T-Mobile Arena on July 06, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Looking at the 2021 statistics from the company (via Way of Martial Arts), we can see that the average UFC fighter made $160,022 in 2021. This number is up from the average earnings of $146,673 in 2020.
It was also revealed that 256 fighters (42% of the roster) earned six figures in 2021, which was also up from 219 fighters (38%) in 2020.
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Can UFC fighters get a bonus even if they lose?
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 20: In this UFC handout, (L-R) Jared Vanderaa kicks Serghei Spivac of the Ukraine in a heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 20, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
It’s worth noting that UFC fighters can in fact make extra money even if they lose their fight on the night beyond their contracted salary.
If a fighter is part of a Fight of the Night contest, then they can earn extra pay as determined by the company, usually around $50,000.
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