Former two-time UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw recently disclosed the remarkably modest earnings from his initial championship victory.
In 2014, Dillashaw made headlines by defeating the then-dominant Renan Barao, who was widely regarded as one of MMA’s top pound-for-pound athletes, to claim the UFC bantamweight title. He notably replicated this feat the following year.
While Dillashaw secured the championship a second time, his career faced significant hurdles, including injuries and a suspension for a failed drug test, which disrupted his momentum. Nevertheless, he remains a pivotal figure in the UFC’s bantamweight division during his active years.
During a recent appearance on “The JAXXON Podcast,” Dillashaw elaborated on the surprisingly meager compensation he received for his inaugural title win.
Dillashaw on His Renan Barao Victory Earnings
“My life changed completely after beating Barao,” Dillashaw stated, explaining that he was still operating under “The Ultimate Fighter” contract. He revealed, “I was fighting for a world title for $18,000. I got to rip that contract – you’re on a 10-fight contract when you get on from ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ and you start off at $10-10, after three wins you go to 14-14, after three wins you go to 18-18. So I was getting $18,000 to show, $18,000 to win against the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, and I just shocked the world.” This meant a base pay of $18,000 for showing up and an additional $18,000 for winning, a shockingly low sum for a world championship bout against an elite opponent.
Despite the significant controversies that have rightfully shadowed Dillashaw’s career, his peak performances established him as one of the premier bantamweight fighters in mixed martial arts history. While his legacy may always carry some stain, his accomplishments ensure he remains an essential mention when discussing legends like Dominick Cruz, Cody Garbrandt, and Henry Cejudo.
