Fans Stunned as UFC Legend T.J. Dillashaw Reveals Fighting for Only $18K

Two-time UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw talks about the payout for his UFC 173 title fight against Renan Barao.

Fans Stunned as UFC Legend T.J. Dillashaw Reveals Fighting for Only $18K

T.J. Dillashaw reveals his earnings for first title fight (via Heavy Sports)

In Short
  • T.J. Dillashaw revealed he earned only $18,000 for his UFC 173 title fight against Renan Barao.
  • His comments have reignited discussions about fighter pay and compensation structures in the UFC.
  • Fans expressed shock over Dillashaw's low payout, highlighting concerns about pay equity for fighters.

Former UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw is regarded as one of the division’s most accomplished fighters, known for his striking. Rising from Team Alpha Male, he captured UFC gold and defeated elite contenders during his peak. Dillashaw recently revisited his career, revealing he was paid a relatively low purse for his first title fight against former champion Renan Barao.

Dillashaw began his professional MMA career in 2010 and earned a spot on The Ultimate Fighter 14 after just four fights. He competed in three bouts on the show in 2011 before falling to John Dodson in the finale, but still secured a UFC contract. Dillashaw then built a strong run of victories and a loss to Raphael Assuncao inside the Octagon before earning a title shot against champion Renan Barao at UFC 173.

At UFC 173, Dillashaw entered as a heavy underdog against Barao, who was on a 33-fight win streak, and delivered a dominant performance. He controlled the fight with movement and striking before securing a TKO finish in the fifth round to claim the bantamweight title. The result marked one of the biggest upsets in UFC history and set the stage for Dillashaw’s recent revelations about his earnings from that bout.

My life changed completely after beating Barao. I was on The Ultimate Fighter contract, I was fighting for the world title for $18,000, because you are on a 10 fight contract. So you start of with 10 and 10, after three wins you go to 14 and 14 and after another three wins you go to 18 and 18. So, I was getting paid $18,000 to show and $18,000 to win against the best pound for pound fighter in the world, and I shocked the world.

T.J. Dillashaw via JAXXON podcast

Dillashaw built an accomplished UFC career spanning over a decade, highlighted by two title reigns as undisputed bantamweight champion. He remained a consistent presence among the division’s elite and faced top contenders across multiple eras. His career ended after a TKO loss to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 280, where a recurring shoulder injury impacted his performance and contributed to his retirement.

The Sacramento native also faced setbacks during his career, including a suspension after testing positive for Erythropoietin in 2019. The violation led to a two-year ban and the loss of his bantamweight title, significantly affecting his standing in the sport. He also dealt with multiple injuries, including recurring shoulder damage that impacted his later performances and played a role in his decline.

T.J. Dillashaw’s recent remarks have reignited debate around fighter pay in the UFC, especially for champions and elite competitors. The disclosure once again puts UFC CEO Dana White and the promotion under scrutiny over compensation structures. It underscores ongoing concerns about pay equity at the highest level of MMA, particularly as more detailed historical payout figures continue to surface.

Fans react to T.J. Dillashaw’s recent revelation of being underpaid for a title fight

Fans expressed shock that T.J. Dillashaw earned a relatively low payout for his UFC 173 title fight, despite its high stakes and historic outcome. Many highlighted the modest base pay compared to the significance of the fight and the impact it had on his career. The revelation drew widespread criticism toward the UFC for what some viewed as restrictive contract structures limiting top-level fighter compensation.

T.J. Dillashaw
T.J. Dillashaw (via Instagram)

Many fans also noted that T.J. Dillashaw was relatively new to the UFC at the time of UFC 173. They argued that his lower payout was somewhat justified, given that he had not yet been tested consistently against established championship-level competition. Supporters of this view emphasized that entry-level contracts often offer modest compensation until fighters prove themselves in the Octagon.

Dillashaw’s UFC 173 payout also relates to the UFC antitrust lawsuit challenging restrictive contracts and fighter pay. A major case covering 2010–2017 resulted in a $375 million preliminary settlement, while newer lawsuits remain ongoing. Some observers believe T.J. Dillashaw may have recovered part of the money he initially earned through these legal proceedings.

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