Former UFC multi-division champion TJ Dillashaw recently disclosed the remarkably modest compensation he received when he first clinched a world title.
Back in 2014, Dillashaw faced Renan Barao, who was widely regarded as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters at the time. Dillashaw stunningly defeated Barao to claim the UFC bantamweight championship, a feat he impressively replicated the following year.
While Dillashaw would go on to secure the championship belt a second time, his career momentum was significantly impacted by a series of injuries and a suspension due to a failed drug test. Nevertheless, he remains an indelible figure in the UFC’s bantamweight division for his contributions during his active years.
During a recent podcast appearance, TJ Dillashaw elaborated on the surprisingly meager earnings from his initial championship victory.
Dillashaw Reflects on His Historic Victory Over Renan Barao
Reflecting on his historic win over Barao, Dillashaw shared on “The JAXXON Podcast”: “My life completely transformed after beating Barao. I was still operating under ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ contract. I was competing for a world title for a mere $18,000. I was able to tear up that contract – typically, you’re on a 10-fight agreement after ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ starting at $10,000 to show and $10,000 to win. After three victories, it goes up to $14,000, and after another three wins, it reaches $18,000. So, I was getting $18,000 to fight and $18,000 if I won against arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter globally, and I truly shocked everyone.”
Despite the undeniable controversies that have marked Dillashaw’s career, he was, at his peak, one of the most formidable bantamweight fighters in mixed martial arts. While his legacy will likely bear some stain, his name is inextricably linked with other bantamweight greats like Dominick Cruz, Cody Garbrandt, and Henry Cejudo, which stands as a testament to his significant achievements in the sport.