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The life of a professional fighter is often romanticized. In the public eye, fighters appear as larger-than-life figures, with highlights of brutal knockouts and heart-stopping moments in the cage. Yet, the journey to that fame—and sometimes even the reality once they get there—is much more complex. Many professional fighters, especially those outside the spotlight of major promotions, work day jobs to make ends meet. Balancing the grueling schedule of full-time employment with MMA training is no easy feat. Here, we dive into the lives of fighters who fight to pay bills both in and out of the cage.
1. Stipe Miocic – Firefighter and UFC Heavyweight Champion
Stipe Miocic is known for being one of the toughest heavyweights in UFC history. But when he’s not in the Octagon, Miocic works as a firefighter and paramedic in Ohio. Even during his rise to UFC stardom, Miocic continued working shifts at the local fire station, dedicating himself to serving his community. This commitment not only speaks to his incredible work ethic but also keeps him grounded. As he puts it, his job as a firefighter gives him a purpose beyond fighting, helping him stay balanced in a world that can sometimes be chaotic.
2. Roxanne Modafferi – English Teacher Turned Fighter
Roxanne Modafferi, known for her quirky personality and relentless fighting style, started her MMA career while working as an English teacher in Japan. Teaching by day and training by night, she competed in smaller Japanese promotions before making her way to the UFC. Her journey exemplifies the sheer passion fighters have for their craft. Modafferi’s dedication to teaching English wasn’t just a means to make a living; it also enriched her worldview, helping her connect with fans and students worldwide. She left teaching to pursue fighting full-time eventually, but her dual life remains an inspiration to fighters balancing their careers.
3. Spencer Fisher – Former UFC Fighter and Factory Worker
Spencer Fisher’s story is one of resilience and sacrifice. A former lightweight contender in the UFC, Fisher worked factory jobs to make ends meet during his fighting career. As he climbed the ranks, he continued to clock in, often balancing late-night shifts with early-morning training sessions. Today, Fisher’s story highlights the toll fighting can take, physically and mentally, and the sacrifices fighters often make to pursue their dreams. Though he’s since retired, Fisher’s legacy lives on, reminding us of the dedication needed to balance blue-collar work with professional fighting.
4. Jessica-Rose Clark – Bartender and UFC Bantamweight
Jessica-Rose Clark, a bantamweight competitor in the UFC, once supported her fighting ambitions by working as a bartender. The job was not just about financial stability; it also allowed her to sharpen her people skills and stay grounded. Known for her charismatic personality, Clark openly discusses the struggles of balancing work and fighting, giving fans a glimpse into the sacrifices that fighters outside the limelight make to keep their careers alive.
5.Raul Rosas Jr. – UFC Fighter and Part-Time Cashier
Raul Rosas Jr., one of the youngest talents to enter the UFC, quickly became a sensation for his fearless approach to the sport. Despite his rising star in MMA, Rosas Jr. has kept his feet firmly on the ground, working as a part-time cashier at a local store in his hometown. For him, this job isn’t just a paycheck; it’s a way to stay connected to his community and maintain a sense of normalcy amidst his UFC journey. Balancing the role of an up-and-coming UFC fighter with the responsibilities of a cashier requires incredible discipline. Rosas Jr. shifts between training sessions, media obligations, and part-time work behind the register. This dual life has earned him respect not only from fans but also from the people in his hometown, who see his work ethic up close.
6. Nate Quarry – Real Estate Agent and UFC Veteran
Nate Quarry, known for his time on The Ultimate Fighter and his UFC bouts, took up real estate after stepping away from the cage. Transitioning from a fighter to a real estate agent wasn’t easy, but Quarry used his discipline and resilience to succeed in a field unrelated to fighting. Today, he continues to balance his love for MMA with a successful real estate career, proving that fighters can excel beyond the cage.
Why Fighters Take on Day Jobs
For many fighters, a steady income stream is essential, especially when starting in the sport. MMA purses are not always enough to cover basic expenses, let alone training costs, medical bills, and travel. Fighters with day jobs often emphasize that they take on work not just for financial reasons but to build a life outside of MMA.
For fans, learning about fighters’ day jobs offers insight into their personalities and the grit they bring into the cage. The fighters who balance work and training, striving to make a name for themselves, embody the essence of MMA: resilience, sacrifice, and a passion that transcends the sport. These dual-career fighters are a reminder that the fight doesn’t end when the cage door closes—it’s just beginning.
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