Ben Askren's UFC Earnings: What Did He Make?

Hey fight fans! Today, we're diving deep into the numbers behind one of the most talked-about fighters in recent MMA history: Ben Askren. Known for his unique wrestling background and sometimes controversial fighting style, Askren had a relatively short but impactful stint in the UFC. So, the burning question on everyone's mind is: how much did Ben Askren make in the UFC? It's not always straightforward to pin down exact fighter purses, as they often involve base pay, win bonuses, and potential pay-per-view (PPV) points, not to mention sponsor money. But we've done some digging to give you the best possible picture of Askren's UFC financial journey. Get ready, because we're about to break down the dough!

Ben Askren's UFC Debut and Initial Earnings

Ben Askren's UFC debut was a massive event, and his earnings reflected that. When he finally made his way to the big leagues after a dominant run in ONE Championship, the anticipation was sky-high. His first UFC fight was against a fellow welterweight veteran, Robbie Lawler, at UFC 235 in March 2019. This was a huge moment for Askren, transitioning from being a dominant force in other promotions to testing his skills against the best in the world. For this debut bout, reports suggest that Askren earned a base salary of around $150,000. This base pay is standard for a fighter making their promotional debut, especially one with Askren's accolades and marketability. However, this figure doesn't include everything. Fighters often receive a win bonus, and Askren secured a victory in spectacular fashion, knocking out Lawler in just six seconds. While specific win bonus amounts aren't always publicly disclosed, it's safe to assume he received one, likely adding a significant sum to his fight night earnings. Furthermore, PPV points can be a huge variable, depending on how well the event sells. UFC 235 was a big card, headlined by Jon Jones vs. Anthony Smith, and likely generated substantial PPV buys, meaning Askren could have earned a cut of those sales. On top of fight pay, sponsors play a massive role. Askren, like most UFC athletes, would have had various personal sponsors whose logos appeared on his fight gear, adding another layer to his overall income for the fight. While the $150,000 base pay is a solid starting point, his total earnings for his UFC debut were undoubtedly higher, potentially reaching well into the six figures when all bonuses and sponsorships are considered. It was a strong financial start for "Funky" in the Octagon, setting the stage for what was to come.

Subsequent Fights and Potential PPV Upside

After his thrilling debut, Ben Askren's next outing in the UFC was at UFC on ESPN+ 14 in August 2019, where he faced Jorge Masvidal. This fight, unfortunately for Askren, ended in a devastating five-second knockout loss. Despite the loss, fighter pay is structured in a way that he still earned a guaranteed purse for stepping into the cage. For this bout, it's reported that Askren's disclosed pay was around $180,000. This increase from his debut likely reflects his status within the promotion after his notable win and the high-profile nature of the matchup against Masvidal, a popular contender. Again, this figure represents his base pay and doesn't include potential win bonuses (which he wouldn't have received due to the loss), locker room bonuses, or sponsor income. The Masvidal fight was part of a card that, while perhaps not as massive as UFC 235, still had significant viewership. Whether Askren had PPV points negotiated for this fight is less clear, but it's common for established fighters to have such clauses in their contracts. The biggest financial opportunity for Askren, however, was likely tied to his next scheduled fight against Demian Maia at UFC on ESPN+ 15 in October 2019. This fight ultimately went ahead, but the Masvidal KO happened first. If Askren had secured another win, especially against a respected veteran like Maia, his stock and his earning potential would have continued to rise. Fighters who consistently win and are involved in exciting fights often see their contracts renegotiated, leading to higher purses and better PPV percentages. Askren's career in the UFC was cut short due to injury and his eventual retirement from MMA, but his two official fights demonstrated a clear path for his earnings to grow had he continued competing. The $180,000 for the Masvidal fight shows a step up, and many speculate that had he strung together a few wins, he could have become a significant earner in the welterweight division. His PPV upside was always a question mark given his wrestling-heavy style, but the excitement of his debut and the notoriety of his subsequent loss certainly kept him in the public eye, which translates to financial opportunities.

The Demian Maia Fight and Final UFC Paycheck

Ben Askren's final appearance inside the UFC Octagon was against Demian Maia at UFC on ESPN+ 15 in October 2019. This was a crucial fight for Askren to try and get his career back on track after the brutal knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal. For this bout against Maia, Askren's disclosed fight purse was reported to be around $190,000. This represents a slight increase from his previous fight, a common occurrence as fighters gain more experience and prominence within the promotion. While this number might seem substantial, it's important to remember that it's his base pay. The potential for additional earnings through win bonuses, performance bonuses (like "Fight of the Night"), and PPV shares could have significantly boosted his total take-home pay for the evening. Unfortunately for Askren, he wasn't able to secure a victory in this fight, losing via submission in the third round. This meant no win bonus would have been added to his earnings. However, even in defeat, the $190,000 guaranteed him a solid payday. The UFC on ESPN+ 15 event had decent viewership, and depending on his contract specifics, he might have received some PPV points, though these are typically more lucrative for fighters who are headliners or involved in highly anticipated bouts. Outside of the official fight purse, Askren, like all fighters, would have benefited from sponsorship deals. These personal endorsements can often rival or even exceed a fighter's disclosed purse, providing crucial income. Given Askren's unique persona and following, it's probable he had several lucrative sponsorship deals in place throughout his UFC tenure. While his UFC career was brief, lasting only three fights, Askren's disclosed purses show a steady increase: $150,000 for Lawler, $180,000 for Masvidal, and $190,000 for Maia. This upward trend indicates that had he continued fighting and winning, his earning potential would have likely continued to grow within the promotion. His final official paycheck from the UFC for the Demian Maia fight was $190,000, a respectable sum for his efforts, even in a losing performance.

Estimated Total UFC Earnings and Beyond

So, let's try and put a bow on it: how much did Ben Askren make in the UFC? While exact figures are elusive due to the confidential nature of win bonuses, PPV points, and sponsorship deals, we can provide a solid estimate based on disclosed pay and typical fighter compensation structures. Ben Askren had three official fights in the UFC: against Robbie Lawler, Jorge Masvidal, and Demian Maia. His disclosed purses for these fights were approximately $150,000, $180,000, and $190,000, respectively. Adding these up, his total disclosed earnings from his UFC fights come to $520,000. This is a significant sum, but it's just the tip of the iceberg. Let's not forget the potential bonuses. For his debut win against Lawler, he likely received a win bonus, which could have been anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on his contract. Even without a win bonus for the Masvidal and Maia fights (due to losses), fighters often receive