WATCH: UFC Fighter Showing Up to Construction Site to Resume Work After PPV Win

UFC 322 star Ethyn Ewing returns to his blue collar construction job after defeating Malcom Wellmaker in his short notice debut.

WATCH: UFC Fighter Showing Up to Construction Site to Resume Work After PPV Win

UFC 322 winner Ethyn Ewing applauded at construction job (via MMA Fighting, X)

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Many UFC fighters continue to work separate jobs alongside their careers, balancing professional competition with everyday responsibilities. This dynamic was highlighted recently when UFC 322 debutant Ethyn Ewing posted himself returning to his construction job only days after competing on short notice. His situation reflects the reality faced by many athletes who have not yet transitioned to full-time fighting.

UFC 322 crowned Islam Makhachev as the welterweight champion after he defeated Jack Della Maddalena in a dominant performance. Ewing stepped in on extremely short notice after Cody Haddon pulled out and faced Malcolm Wellmaker on the undercard. He secured a unanimous decision victory, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of last-minute fight call-ups.

The bout against Wellmaker marked Ewing’s UFC debut. Outside the Octagon, he works in construction and co-owns a safety consulting business with his father. Upon returning to his job after the fight, he was applauded by colleagues, reflecting how fighters often maintain their professional identity beyond fighting while earning respect for their sporting achievements.

Before UFC 322, Ewing had compiled a string of wins and entered MSG with a record of 8 wins and two losses. He fought in regional circuits and promotions such as Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) and Legacy Fighting Alliance. He has defeated fighters like Johnathan Hernandez and Sam Jackson, showcasing a steady rise in his career before making the jump to the UFC stage.

Many current champions have balanced careers outside the cage to support themselves early on. Bantamweight kingpin Merab Dvalishvili worked outside MMA until 2020, while light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira spent 14 years working in a tire shop before fully committing to fighting. Even Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja worked as an Uber Eats Driver before his title opportunity.

The stories of fighters like Ewing highlight broader questions about fighter pay and compensation under Dana White’s leadership. While top-tier champions earn significant purses, many athletes at the lower levels continue to rely on secondary jobs. The system underscored the ongoing debate about financial sustainability and the risks fighters take inside and outside the Octagon.

Fans react to UFC 322 debutant Ethyn Ewing returning to his construction job

Fans have been widely impressed by Ethyn Ewing’s ability to step in on short notice and secure a unanimous decision victory against Malcolm Wellmaker. Many praised his composure and skill in the Octagon, noting that taking on a fight with only two days’ notice is an extraordinary challenge. Social media highlighted how his performance exceeded expectations for a UFC debutant.

UFC 322 star Ethyn Ewing resumes daily job
UFC 322 star Ethyn Ewing resumes daily job (via The Washington Post)

Another central point of discussion among fans was Ewing returning to his construction job immediately after the fight. Many expressed admiration for his humility and work ethic, celebrating the fact that he stayed grounded despite making his UFC debut. Videos of him being applauded by colleagues went viral, with supporters noting the contrast between life as a fighter and everyday responsibilities.

Upon returning to his job after the fight, he was applauded by colleagues, and many fans reignited the Boxing vs MMA fighter pay debate, noting that professional boxers are rarely seen juggling other jobs. Numerous fans expressed frustration that Ewing did not receive the Performance of the Night bonus, despite his short-notice victory and impressive showing.

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