www.bjjee.com had a very interesting article up recently covering the reported earnings of some of the pro BJJ competitors for the calendar year 2016.
The numbers were quite revealing as it lays out a pretty clear reason why so much of the top flight BJJ talent has stopped crossing over into MMA.
Aside from the obvious tactical differences its also important to note that these Grappler’s are making more money than 90+percent of mma competitors outside of the big shows (Ufc, Bellator,Wsof,Rizin) and that is without taking taking a punch/kick.
even coming from a the background of somoene using the art more for fight based applications I am very happy to see the elite sport BJJ competitors finally being able to see some direct financial reward for their sacrifice.
Here are highlights and stats of 2016 top competitors estimated take home pays before any bonuses.
#10 EDWIN NAJMI
Earnings in competition: $23,000 approximately
#9 LEANDRO LO
Earnings in competition: $26,000 approximately
#8 EDDIE CUMMINGS / AJ AGAZARM
#7 MACKENZIE DERN
Earnings in competition (BJJ): $28,000 approximately
#6 GABRIEL ARGES
Earnings in competition: $31,000 approximately
#5 GARRY TONON
Earnings in competition: $42,000 approximately
#4 GORDON RYAN
Earnings in competition: $56,500 approximately
#3 ERBERTH SANTOS
Earnings in competition: $60,000 approximately
#2 MARCUS “BUCHECHA” ALMEIDA
Earnings in competition: $65,000 approximately
#1 FELIPE “PREGUIÇA” PENA
Earnings: $83,000 approximately