Mixed Martial Arts is a brutal and exciting sport. MMA fighters arrive to the glistening octagon, after three months of intense training and weight cutting, prepared to do whatever it takes to defeat their opponent. In a short three or five, five minute rounds of vicious combat, the fight will be over… But how do the MMA fighters make money? Let’s dive into this topic.
How do MMA Fighters Earn Money?
To make money in MMA the fighter must first become a part of a major promotion such as the UFC or Bellator. These promotions pay their fighters based on the number of fights they’ve had, and if it’s a title fight. The more experience a fighter has, and the higher their ranking within the promotion, the more money they make per fight.
MMA may stand for mixed martial arts, however the UFC and Bellator are there to entertain an audience and only the most interesting and exciting fighters, make the most money. Why is this? Pay-per-view buys. These promotions make a significant amount of their income from pay-per-view buys (televised events) for their events, and the more popular fighters will draw in more viewers (and subsequently, more money for everyone).
Sponsorships in MMA
MMA Fighters can also make money through sponsorships and endorsements. Companies will sponsor a fighter by providing them with gear or money in exchange for promoting their brand during fights, press conferences, or other appearances.
In addition to sponsorships and pay-per-view buys, fighters will also make money from their base salary per fight, win bonuses, and post-fight bonuses (such as Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night).
Fight Night Bonuses in MMA
Fighters in MMA may also earn bonuses in the form of Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night. These bonuses are typically awarded by the promotion (such as the UFC) for particularly exciting or impressive fights or performances. While watching a fight in UFC, the audience can usually tell which fight is going to be the “Fight of the Night”.
Champions Make More Money
Champions of MMA in the UFC often are offered a “Share” of the pay-per-view for any fights they take part in. This encourages young and upcoming fighters to take on the most difficult opponents, climbing their way to the top to get a share of those PPV buys. Many fighters have discussed in interviews how this type of money from PPV absolutely changes their lives.
How much do MMA Fighter’s Make?
It is important to note that not all MMA fighters make millions per fight, as it depends on their popularity and success. This is what encourages UFC MMA fighters to become such polarising figures despite their jobs being to fight. Their skills and reputation determine their worth, much like in any other industry.
In addition to bonuses and fight purses, MMA fighters also make money through sponsorships and endorsements. Just like any athlete or celebrity, having a strong following can lead to lucrative deals with brands that want to use the fighter’s image to sell their products.
Final Thoughts – How much do MMA Fighters Make?
MMA is a dangerous but fruitful industry if you have the tenacity, determination and talent to get to the top. MMA fighters from the UFC are known to make six or seven figure salaries, but it all boils down to their success inside and outside of the octagon.
Of course, there are also fighters who may never reach that level of success and fame, but the opportunity for big pay-outs still exists as long as they continue to perform well in the sport.
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