How much does an MMA fighter at the local level need to make from a day job to make ends meet?
Pretty straightforward. It obviously depends on the standard of living you want to have but for me if I decide to fight MMA I understand that I’m going to try to get by on as little as possible. Do most fighters who have day jobs work part time? And if you’re a fighter who works full time do you feel like it has a negative impact on your ability to train effectively?
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im 14 and i want to get a job during the summer and continue my wrestling training
Comment by Dood (7th account) — July 23, 2010 @ 9:22 am
I know many guys and few girls who fight MMA up in my area (Indiana, Michigan, Ohio) and none of them clear much more than a couple of hundred bucks in local events, or even bigger events hosted by some of the promotion companies in this area. Quite a few of them are full time college students right now and all the others are full time employed. It costs them a lot to train, much more than learning at a martial arts school, as MMA in this area is seen as a cash cow by most of the people teaching it.
I would say after talking with most of them that every single one feels they would do better and perform better if they trained full time…but in reality I think only 1 or 2 of them ever have a chance at making it all the way…the rest just do not have the mentality or training ethics needed.
As for level of living, well you are right that does vary. Five of the people I know all work in very high paying jobs. If each of them quit to do MMA full time they would be bankrupt in about 6 months. The college kids can barely pay their tuition, room n board and training fees but they all have a pretty good outlook on managing it save a couple who are worthless.
One of good friends has been fighting MMA for about 10 years now, is a Pro and works full time as a mechanic and trains full time. He is getting to old to have much of a chance left and fighting for little pay has cost him two marriages, a house and his truck because he failed to be responsible with his daily living requirements (paying bills, family first, etc.). He gets paid pretty well at local events in this area and has cleared as much as $9,000 at a big event last year…but that his average is around $1,500 each time he fights which is about four times a year. We went out to dinner over the holidays and he said he is going to quit after this year if he doesn’t make into a bigger venue because he is going to be turning 38. I agreed with him.
Even with sponsorship money local Pro fighters have to have a job. The only ones that make big bucks in my area are name people who fought in the UFC like Dorian Grey, Wes Simms and Luke Zachrich. Even they barely make ends meet when relying on their sponsors of which most will not want their money used to pay for daily living expenses.
Comment by nwohioguy — July 23, 2010 @ 9:48 am
The best thing for you to do is train. Compare yourself to the best guys at your gym. It is much easier to get fights in Iowa than anywhere else in the United States. Go for it! If you have no wrestling skill, no striking or subs you will be recycled and spit up pretty fast.
Crazy how guys think they can dominate MMA and have no wrestling skills……just watched a guy with decent striking get slammed and arm triangled. LMAO!!!!!
IF YOU ARE IN HIGH SCHOOL AND WANT TO BE IN MMA GET ON THE WRESTLING TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by jinglehimer36 — July 23, 2010 @ 10:33 am
if you can answer this question well you have a good shot. its a tough one to deal with. and takes alot of sacrifice
Comment by Darb D — July 23, 2010 @ 10:41 am
Shane Carwin works as a engineer & he’s getting a title shot. I also noticed Kit Cope has mats setup in his living room to practice grappling so he wouldn’t have to go to a gym during day hours so he could work his desk job. I also heard Roy Nelson does some of his training at home.
So I suggest get a heavy bag, some weights, & a bike or treadmill and train at home during Early morning or at night until you have enough money to train full time. At Amateur level you don’t need to train as hard as a UFC champion.
Comment by ??? — July 23, 2010 @ 10:44 am
the only way you can live off of an MMA paygrade is if you are a pro. Even then times cold get tough if you lose to much.
Comment by foldedwingz87301 — July 23, 2010 @ 11:13 am