Former UFC champion surprises by revealing the amount of the purse paid by the organization

Robbie Lawler is a former UFC welterweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter 

As much as fighting in the UFC is the dream of most MMA fighters around the world, establishing yourself financially as a fighter can be complicated, even competing in the biggest organization in the sport. Robbie Lawler, who was champion in the welterweight category (up to 77,1 kg) between 2014 and 2016, took a while to get good payments and thus support himself adequately.

See too

Caio Borralho praises Adesanya's 'partner' and points out favoritism against former UFC champion

Veteran is disappointed with Diego Lopes being chosen to fight for the title at UFC 314

Ankalaev mocks Alex Poatan's new trip and says he's back to training: 'My kids are having fun'

In an interview with the North American podcast 'Jaxon' last Thursday (20), presented by the former fighter Quinton jackson, Lawler briefly recounted the beginning of his career as a fighter and his initial payments. Despite becoming champion in 2014, he debuted in the organization in 2002, at just 20 years old.

“(Initially) I just wanted to go out there and fight (in the UFC). Obviously there wasn’t a lot of money back then. I think I made $2.500 to fight and another $2.500 to win as pay for my first fight and maybe made another $1.000 in endorsements. I was showing off,” Lawler said with a laugh.

Robbie Lawler Reveals His First UFC Paycheck@JaxxonPodcast pic.twitter.com/1283WMTulh

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 21, 2025

The fighter's first stint in the Ultimate ended in 2004. From there, he went through other events and became EliteXC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) in addition to challenging Ronaldo Jacare for the Strikeforce title in the same category. He returned to the UFC in 2012 and with the temporary retirement of Georges St-Pierre, he won the welterweight belt (up to 77,1 kg) by defeating Johnny Hendricks.

As champion, the American starred in one of the best fights in history by knocking out Rory McDonald in the co-main event of UFC 189 in July 2015. The bout won the Fight of the Year award and in 2023 he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Lawler retired in July 2023.

Robbie Lawler e Rory McDonald in a title fight (Photo: Reproduction/Twitter)

Robbie Lawler has been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame

Robbie Lawler retired in 2023. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In addition to the fight with MacDonald, the fighter is part of the 2025 class of inductees into the Ultimate Hall of Fame, in the modern wing. announcement was made during the UFC 313, earlier this month. This year's ceremony will take place in Las Vegas on June 26, an annual event marking International Fight Week.