So, you want to be a fighter?
These were the famous words UFC president Dana White uttered during the inaugural season of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality TV series.
It’s also a question every aspiring MMA fighter should consider seriously.
Sure, who wouldn’t want to be a famous mixed martial artist, driving around town in the latest sports cars with groupies yelling your name on every corner? However, only the elite fighters in MMA ever get to enjoy that superstar-athlete lifestyle.
For most mixed martial artists, life as a professional fighter is a constant grind, one that often involves working a full-time job while chasing the dream.
What to expect as a professional MMA fighter
Here are some of the things you can expect to deal with as you make your way through the ranks:
Low starting wages
If you expect to make over six figures early in your MMA career, think again. You’d be lucky to make $500 for your first few bouts fighting for small promotions. You’re not going to get any significant sponsorships or health insurance at this stage of your career either, so forget about that as well.
Therefore, unless you’re made of metal and can fight four times a month, you won’t make enough to cover your bills. Good for you if you have family members willing to help with your bills. If that doesn’t apply, you’ll need to get a sugar mama/daddy or a full-time job like everyone else.
If you’re smart — or lucky — you’ll choose a field that complements your MMA career, like working as a personal trainer or teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes.
MMA politics
Who said only corporate people have to worry about office politics? The mixed martial arts scene isn’t much different. Promoters have favorites, and so do the fans, and it is a business, after all. To be successful as a professional, you’ll need to study- and perfect- the art of self-promotion until you’re making enough to hire a publicist.
Say the right things after fights, win over the fans, and you might find yourself getting more opportunities than you deserve. Chael Sonnen — the only UFC fighter to receive a title shot coming off a loss — likely agrees with that assessment.
Fail to market yourself properly, and you’ll get passed over despite all your hard work. Just ask former UFC fighter Jon Fitch.
Brutality
Well, an MMA fight isn’t exactly a tickling contest, now is it? Bones break, muscles tear, and cutting weight can be mentally and physically draining, even deadly, if not done correctly.
The UFC is the only mixed martial arts promotion offering health insurance to its fighters, so unless you’re already good enough to make it to the big league, you’ll likely be on your own if you get injured.
To make things worse, you’re only as good as your last fight, so it isn’t out of the realm of possibility for an injury to cost you your spot with the promotion you fight for.
The life of an aspiring MMA fighter is tough, but for those who persevere, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Besides, getting to do what you love daily is a reward. One only a few of us get to enjoy.
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