TJ Dillashaw, a former multiple-time UFC champion, recently disclosed the surprisingly meager earnings he received during his initial championship victory.
In 2014, Dillashaw captured the UFC bantamweight title by overcoming Renan Barao, who was then widely regarded as a top pound-for-pound fighter. Dillashaw’s decisive victory was a major upset, which he solidified by defeating Barao again the subsequent year.
Although Dillashaw later reclaimed the championship, his career momentum suffered significantly due to injuries and a well-publicized failed drug test. Despite these setbacks, he remains a memorable figure in the UFC’s bantamweight division for his contributions during his active periods.
During a recent podcast interview, Dillashaw shed light on the financial realities of his initial title win, admitting that his earnings were far from substantial.
Dillashaw on His Victory Against Renan Barao
Reflecting on the monumental fight, Dillashaw shared on “The JAXXON Podcast,” “My life completely transformed after defeating Barao.” He explained he was still operating under “The Ultimate Fighter” contract terms, earning a mere $18,000 to show and another $18,000 to win for a world title bout against the sport’s top pound-for-pound competitor. He elaborated on the tiered TUF contract structure, starting at $10,000/$10,000 and progressing to $18,000/$18,000 after several wins, emphasizing how he “shocked the world” with such low pay.
While controversy will inevitably shadow Dillashaw’s career, particularly concerning his past infractions, his peak performances established him as one of the elite bantamweights in MMA history. Despite the likely enduring stain on his legacy, his name remains an essential mention alongside peers like Dominick Cruz, Cody Garbrandt, and Henry Cejudo, underscoring the significance of his achievements.
