How Kamaru Usman Spent His First $1M in the UFC | GQ Sports

Kamaru Usman's first hustle was selling Pokémon cards. Now he's headlining UFC fights. From $20K on a Rolex to $500K on his house, find out how Kamaru Usman made, spent, and saved his first million dollars on as a UFC champion.
With GQ Sports, the real action is off the field. Get an all-access pass to the world's coolest, most stylish athletes with original series like My Essentials, Actually Me, My First Million, Game Points & More. Watch a GQ editor try his hand at pro sports in Above Average Joe. And get an all-access look into how athletes shop, train, travel, and showcase their love of style, menswear, and sneakers.

[@steveng3770]

Video should be called, "how Kamaru Usman made 1 mill in the UFC" An achievement on its own

[@raulg19]

Amazing fighter, severely underpaid.

[@bballgoat9478]

@@raulg19 did you like your own reply?

[@bondjames-bond7664]

Maybe it's his entire career earnings

[@danigaman]

Top comment bro 💥👏

[@96rako]

Dana gonna be coming for you now G

[@safwanrahman3049]

Dang this is almost as impressive as being a champion lol. What a balanced, rational and level headed approach, not frugal and not lavish and takes care of his people. Very redeemable quality

[@masterjenkins632]

all that matters to me is he's a good father that gets more respect than anything else

[@XplicitTruth444]

@@masterjenkins632 the only thing that matters to me is if he’s a good fighter or not (which he is) and just not a dolt pile of trash like Jon Jones and other guys like war machine. Why tf does his parenthood skills matter to you? He gets paid to destroy other humans and you’re worried about whether he’s a good father or not? ❄️

[@DonceBeats]

@@XplicitTruth444 being a good parent is part of being a good human

[@juliang-c4882]

Steroids

[@timothycauser8351]

yes thats what i saw in the intro

[@TA-hf6si]

For those who wonder how good Kamaru Usman actually is; He is 20-1 and the current welterweight champion at the UFC on a 19 fight win streak in his career, (15-0 in the UFC). As the champion and he's currently lapping the contenders beating them for the 2nd time. He is running out of oponents and scarily enough he keeps improving still.

[@ssheikh3598]

Colby and Masvidal had chance but they blew it... On the other side Kamaru kept getting better...

[@ceedub3966]

@@ssheikh3598 masvidal didn't have a chance tf do you mean. I like him he's a good fighter but he's not complete enough to compete with a guy like Usman.

[@dantedior2858]

@@ssheikh3598 jorge had no chance beating Usman. he not even top 5 quality.

[@chloemartin7492]

@@dantedior2858 yeah maybe he could be like a top 5 gate keeper or something

[@basilhazelwood8038]

Colby won the rematch

[@abdirashidabukar9839]

“They show me the price tag…naah I want that one.” Cracked me 😂😂4:51

[@ivanivan2375]

That was my favorite part hahaha just because was funny

[@BeeStrings]

I think the President (all gold day date) is 30-35k. He got a datejust two tone, bout 18k. Still a beautiful watch.

[@Editnamehere]

@@BeeStrings day dates second hand(gray market) are closer to 50k. Edit the 40mm are. 36mm you right 30-40

[@Fastaschit]

I can really appreciate him saying 20% to trainers. That's really unselfish thing to do as most fighters don't step up like that. Coaches paid well and shown appreciation can only be a positive incentive when teaching and innovation to help evolve

[@dingusquan5168]

Kinda hard when uncle dana be scamming the fighters for what there worth

[@Aquamatiic]

Trainers automatically get a cut like that don’t they ?

[@easyballsofsteel4565]

trainers, managers have their own cut it and pre agreement not the decision he made when he earn

[@lennyjenkins9931]

@@Aquamatiic Yup before you join ANY fight team or any coach there will always be a percentage agreed beforehand.

[@toas4188]

yeah I saw the thumbnail and was life wtf 200k on shoes!? then he said it was his team

[@RaptureSniping]

"I didnt get the infinity pool but, someone cuts my grass.. so thats nice" Gotta love this man

[@ayrmendina8314]

The honesty regarding the women who was supposed to be a financial investor on his behalf and not seeing that money is a trait of someone very comfortable in his skin. Some people will admit a lack of skill, very few will be honest about a financial misstep where their lack of knowledge cost them money and were scammed because of such. Salute to Kamaru. Always do your due diligence yall.

[@anonymoususer2634]

Ironic a scam bot is under this comment. 😂😂😂

[@dreamybull1509]

Women womening

[@syntheovaldy5173]

@@anonymoususer2634 😂😂😂😂

[@thefacelessquestion3333]

She might not have made him money but I'm sure she "performed a service",oh and the friend that introduced y'all... Cut him/her off quickly.

[@JokerFlex77]

Very true!!! And watch out for that scam bot in the comments hahahah

[@emilaliyev1731]

Honestly for a millionaire, ufc world champion of the ufc, and one of the top guys on the p4p list, mans is surprisingly chill, down to earth, and acts like he's just the guy next door. His investments actually seemed incredibly relatable 😅

[@noviumthompson6760]

Man I believe everyone have a bad investment story it's all about the risk 😆

[@traplordso985]

He's #1 P4P clown

[@ronj7658]

@@traplordso985 that would be you.

[@obitriceforlife5771]

@@traplordso985 you mean you ?

[@hakichiki]

#PlusHeAintNoFool... #HeKnowsIRSTrollsKZbinToo.. LOL.

[@thomasluck5955]

Love him him or hate him, he’s definitely the champ

[@LaloThadon]

Still on PEDs tho.

[@soufel-maghribi5562]

@@LaloThadon Source: trust me bro look at his body

[@GoGetYourShinebox]

@@soufel-maghribi5562 Internet experts 😂

[@samuelhong4272]

@@LaloThadon allegedly and so was jones who's lhw goat

[@xxxxxJAYMILLZxxxxxxx]

He’s definitely.. Marty FakeNewsman 😂

[@mollyhang9026]

This man isn’t going broke. He seems to have a good head on his shoulder and spending within his means and not over doing it.

[@trentstandingrock516]

Exactly what I was thinking. It's good to see he's not being foolish and extravagant. This is a champ, especially taking care of those that take care of him.

[@Crews1]

dude got scammed out of 60 k 💀

[@Anub1s1546]

@@Crews1 Aye man you win some you lose some 😭😭😭

[@videogamers2136]

@@Crews1 learning experience

[@JuanSanchez-iy9xk]

@@Crews1 if u invest (even if it ain’t have to do wit the investin like in his case) ur not always gna win bro, that shi a FR game !!!

[@simonscowled9925]

Best episode I've seen 1) talked about Applebee's job 2) takes care of his trainer's 3) good dad to his daughter 4) talked about investing mistakes 5) bought himself a nice car

[@connorf4035]

The trainer's take car of him which is why they get a cut, it's part of being at a fight gym

[@sting6ph]

pokemon card trainer

[@anasshahid224]

well said, Kamaru is the man :)

[@meatball2746]

I’m 19, been watching MMA since I was 5. I can say this man is the GOAT of my generation. GSP is the GOAT, but he’s my GOAT.

[@aguilasfan96]

I don’t know, I saw Adesanya is right there

[@meatball2746]

@@aguilasfan96 If he beats Whittaker again this weekend, they’re neck and neck imo.

[@javyroo9405]

@@meatball2746Aaaannnnnd still

[@meatball2746]

@@javyroo9405 I wish they could fight each other man. The only person I see stopping either of them is Khamzat and that’s at least a year and a half - two years.

[@harrishall-narro8888]

It's crazy the small amount of money these guys make compared to other athletes

[@kyleinggo]

Fax. What a capitalist scumbag UFC is

[@Thiiink]

@@kyleinggo blame it on "capitalism"? LOL

[@456evans]

Just like every sport the low guys make low money top guys (players) make the big money

[@drreverse2074]

@@456evans nah even top guys are underpaid . They only get 16% while NBA players get nearly 50% of their revenue.

[@donkarnage6032]

@@drreverse2074 How many millionaires/billionaires are involved in running the NBA? There is at least one running every team. You've got several billion dollar TV networks paying them money. Billion dollar companies sponsoring them. There is just more money involved in other team sports like the NBA, NFL, MLB. It is unfair to compare an individual sport to team sports. It's totally different. It would be more fair to compare the UFC to a sport like golf which is an individual sport. According to what I could find the average UFC fighter makes about $145,000/year. The average salary for a professional golfer is about $45,000-50,000/year. UFC fighters make roughly 3x the average of what a professional golfer does. Those leagues like the NBA, NFL, MLB have been around far longer and have much more infrastructure and popularity than the UFC. The UFC/MMA is still a somewhat new and growing sport.

[@anasshahid224]

Kamaru Usman is the man, thanks for having him on GQ 🙌👏

[@jmetalskinz]

The man deserves everything he has earned and much more. One of the goats of modern MMA and and a fantastic representative of the sport!

[@chinto6389]

Kamaru deserves everything he has, dudes a beast but also humble af

[@DAVYDEE999]

I’m convinced anybody who truly doesn’t like this man is just a fiend for the loud and immature, the way he treats all his opponents even if he doesn’t like them, shows how secure he is as a man and as a fighter! so easy to let your emotion get the better of you

[@MikePerryLegit]

He talks like he's telling spooky stories, he wears Gym King half zips age 35 and is on literally all of the sauce, you can surely understand why some people might not like him

[@mr.g6906]

@@MikePerryLegit u like mike perry. That says alot about you

[@trey9578]

@@mr.g6906 wtf does that mean what You don’t like entertainment??

[@trey9578]

@@MikePerryLegit I’m on your side bro these casuals are insane

[@mr.g6906]

@@trey9578 u like conor mcgregor. That says alot about you

[@yaboyreggie_]

200k for his trainer and he make sure his daughter is doing great!!!! 🅿️🅿️🅿️

[@fightsportnews4329]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3ungph-qrCdr6M

[@avais6712]

@UPPERCUT 101 you are a hater.

[@dayinthegrind688]

@UPPERCUT 101 trainer(s)

[@banga2827]

Crazy how quickly mma fans change their minds. Not too long ago usman was getting the most hate probably of everyone.

[@ceedub3966]

It was because Usman started getting more confident with his striking, he became more popular that way. It wasn't because MMA fans are fickle (they are) it was Usman decision to be more complete and entertaining. On his way up he legitimately was a wet blanket for the most part.

[@GoGetYourShinebox]

People found his wrestling boring. A lot of it was lay n pray stuff. However his striking improved and he started laying mfers out. Also he seems to be less cringe with his talk these days lol

[@zonatanrecords60]

Humans

[@megaeazy3]

@@GoGetYourShinebox Usman was never cringe. Masvidal started that narrative even though Masvidal is the ultimate cringe

[@rs3performance515]

Usman had big mouth and was a sweaty fighter. But now he gives every opponent the chance even twice to show up.

[@jackscorp9553]

This hasn't aged well. EDWARDS BABY!!!!

[@shaneconkrite9283]

idk y people dont like him, hes a great speaker, a great leader, and an even better fighter. Im a fan!

[@random8274]

I appreciate his honesty about that investment lol

[@Crews1]

hes the type to click on clickbait links in DMs

[@Allen.Fepuleai]

@@Crews1 lol

[@Randomones27]

He did a smart thing by being active... He saw no one's on his level and he just encashed by being active... Good guy... Champion...

[@fillemonashimbamba9573]

Kamaru Usman's was so funny in this and had a humble vibe. Really awesome to see him make it to GQ.

[@walterwine]

As good as Kamaru is and how dominating he has been, it's sad to see how he is unfairly being compensated. He made 600k - 1m in his last fight... whereas boxing's Shawn Porter, made 4m as he challenged for the belt of Crawford. No wonder why Ngannou is pushing for a higher contract

[@lavarball1543]

No, the last fight sold really well. He gets ppv points as champ, he made close to 2M. Obv still wildly underpaid compared to boxing but he's starting to make some serious money now.

[@neverastraightanswer9802]

The fight sold better then most ppvs that year it was actually top 5 highest he got 500k in ppv points 1 million dollars in base salary and no bonus since he didn’t get a finish but if he did he’d probably get another 250k which is 1.75 million which is still underpaid compared to boxers

[@owencamferdam9229]

It’s even more sad when you realize that a fighter of his caliber in the boxing scene would be making 8 figures easily

[@kudakwashemwashayenyi4752]

Gotta love and respect Kamaru.....a true hard worker.

[@mr.perfume8357]

In the UFC268 post fight interview, when he was asked to share what Colby said to him post fight, he said “I leave that between me and him.” That was the moment I became a true fan of his. This is a man of honour and respect.

[@axerage5727]

Who IS here after he got KO:ED🤫?

[@mx3kz]

Me 😂

[@talatal-jordi3937]

The pound for pound champ is very wise and on his road to becoming the Goat foreal. It’s surprising how many people sleep on Usman.

[@fightsportnews4329]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3ungph-qrCdr6M

[@andreprefontaine3824]

No chance surpass GSP sorry!

[@zebrom7994]

@@andreprefontaine3824 he gets a couple more defenses… he’s officially better than GSP

[@thetraveler9]

I know right.

[@anoopchima]

He’s sleeping now

[@JNJ1014]

I used to dislike Usman bc I felt he tried too hard. But he grew on me as he continued his run through the welterweight division & I saw how he carried himself in his fights w/Colby & Jorge. Usman is just the epitome of a champion, just like DC & Khabib. Humble, hardworking, intelligent & respectful. Impossible not to like these guys & root for them to keep winning in life.

[@rn3302]

Same

[@civilwarwasaninsidejob7405]

Him and Izzy both i use to dislike now im a fan. Being st louis guy was pretty upset when he beat Woodley but his fights have been awesome to watch every time out.

[@TheBlobablob]

Its hard to dislike someone who works as hard as he does to destroy everyone in his path.

[@mmaminds9771]

@Cookie monster stay salty muppet

[@JNJ1014]

@@mmaminds9771 Dusty muppets talking smack about winners bc they're jealous

[@aviratica6370]

I got to meet many UFC fighters. Usman was the nicest to me and quite funny.

[@HugeHeadedGaming]

i like just hearing this man talk, family oriented, got his priorties in check, aswell as being one of the best champions the sport has ever seen.

[@zayaanzakir]

Kamaru's back with his campfire stories 🔥

[@joshuaog0255]

Kamaru probably still doesn't get paid 1 million in a fight unless he's fighting someone like masvidal. Ufc is greedy!

[@GoGetYourShinebox]

It’s in relation to star power (PPV sales) however Dana & the UFC are still greedy. Champs should get a decent pay rise, especially those that have defended more than 3x

[@theheavygamer430]

All champs make 500k to show and 500k to win , and with the ppv cut they easily make 2mill+ per fight , fans should start worrying about themselves lol

[@isaacalzate8262]

@@theheavygamer430 Um that still isnt Anything boxers make 20-60 million a fight even if they arent champions

[@juanramos5941]

I mean he doesn’t bring ppv

[@VinylUnboxings]

@@theheavygamer430 ufc fighters get 19% of revenue. All other major sports is around 50%. I don't know why gamers are always so bitter and out of touch lol

[@executive8680]

He ain’t lying about his uncle and the Maxima. My uncle had a few back in the 90’s and I use to think he had one of the fastest nicest cars on the road😂

[@alcottdevalte7440]

Gotta appreciate Usman's gameplans and him being an active champion :-)

[@MrJay-ud9gk]

I'm more surprised that the UFC paid 1mil to a fighter..

[@MikePerryLegit]

He made something over a million for the Masvidal fight

[@steve833333]

the fighters make more in bonuses than their reported fight purse, and if you're champion (and sometimes challenger) you get PPV points on the backend, usually $2 dollars per ppv sale

[@Anub1s1546]

@OK thats funny considering even some ufc fighters say the ufc doesn't pay much

[@dammyayo582]

@Tony X lol no Francis didn't even make that last fight

[@cardough550]

Kamaru Usman energy is PRICELESS.

[@mrorangecookie1430]

Hes really grown on me over the years. top champion

[@p_ttown1979]

this man is hardworking. 6 fights since 2019, and not slowing down. deserves his succcess and more!

[@Chadgigington]

I love Usman's honesty in this interview. I never paid much attention to him before he beat the crap out of prime Woodley, but I been a fan ever since

[@chazpuckett4659]

Been watching Usman do his thang for a few years, this interview made me like him a lot more

[@adamsawicki1221]

Such a humble, good guy. Definitely takes care of his loved ones.

[@jiggyv6139]

Always gonna support this guy . Made his haters his fans 💯🤞🏾

[@diegogrinberg6401]

Look at him, making it on GQ. I guess he can say that he finally made it now haha - jokes aside, Usman is the current GOAT that's a fact.

[@tk_attack]

💯

[@dhaliwal4393]

Jon jones?

[@hellobear]

Current greatest of all time sounds a little odd

[@tk_attack]

@@hellobear Each era has its GOAT, but yeah its actually redundant

[@hellobear]

@@tk_attack It feels like it drowns the meaning of the title doesn’t it.

[@cojo1010tx]

Had to come watch this after Leon sent him to the Shadow Realm. 😂

[@dynamic283]

Lmaooo

[@MF-fo4nn]

Dawg ur like 40 go do sum with ur life

[@drewj8863]

This funny ash

[@elcordinho2202]

Currently my favorite fighter! Humble gentleman, complete killer and above all a great dad.

[@emancebo13]

How can a person have swag, brag and be humble at the same time, only Usman knows 😂. I think being constantly grateful is key, big example there. Much respect 🤝

[@heltonrolobcv2181]

Bring Ngannou, we need the 3 kings!!!

[@arijeetjoshi4911]

Finally you guys are bringing in more mma stars

[@CMP719]

Let's Go! 💪 Kamaru is a beast! Keep it up GQ! Keep bringing fighters on!

[@mohammadalitaqi1997]

Honestly the way he is going he can surpass the the great GSP

[@P0P0.]

What's sad is based on his career earnings under Zuffa, it took the UFC 4 years and 10 fights for Usman to finally make a million. A guy like Usman should be making a minimum 2m purse per fight nowadays but hasn't even cracked 700k yet. Also I understand he makes more because of ppv points but ufc fighter purses in general should be way more.

[@clicklink123]

The must humble guy I have seen in a while 🙃

[@nkanyezinhlumayo6817]

Kamaru would make a great show host, so well spoken, takes his time and communicates so so clearly.

[@irvingramirez2335]

That headshot was well earned

[@tk_attack]

I think they got the wrong brother for the Dr. Usman image 8:45 , that's his brother who is also an MMA fighter 🤣

[@Casualteatalk]

Yeah I noticed that too. GQ need to do better editing. Showing a clip of the wrong brother. If you’re gonna interview a champ you must do your research

[@ImBillFull]

Lmao kamaru always sounds like hes tellin a spooky story at a campfire

[@marcogarcia4696]

True champ humble person ...great boxing skills ..awesome wrestler ..one of the best in my opinion.

[@user-iu7os9hj5o]

This shows how level headed he is. I don't particularly like him as fighter but I respect him as a smart man.

[@templetonpeck7949]

Already the second greatest ww of all time. I don't see anyone stopping Usman on his path to GOAT status except maybe Khamzat

[@GoGetYourShinebox]

I hope Khamzat proves to be that guy to really push Usman. Would be a megafight if Khamzat works his way up the division

[@jesusg853]

Khamzat has fought nobodies🤣🤣y’all overhyping him

[@katana_3558]

@@jesusg853 casual khamzat is legit ..he knocked out one of khabib s boys who is beast himself and he is undefeated

[@mercydrive00]

Lmao who is better then this guy man said 2nd best

[@RafaelLopes-gg4he]

@@mercydrive00 He was talking about GSP

[@john26razor340]

Kamaru's genuinely a good guy

[@MoldRoss]

Usman-hello yes it’s me the champ Leon edwards-👁👄👁

[@ciarancosgrave]

Something tells me that Dana White organized this as counter propaganda to the Jake Paul narrative about the UFC not paying their fighters enough.

[@peterlee8198]

Can't help but love this guy. GOAT

[@alinfo3726]

NICE ,NICE, CHAMP 🏆..WELL EARNED...DONT FORGET TITHE..GOD WILL BLESS YOU EVEN MORE CHAMP🙏 ...GOD BLESS!!!!

[@mrcool2561]

Nice dude with great heart ❤ naija we no dey carry last.......Kamaru Usman forever.

[@HipHopTheme]

I love how people boo Kamaru but he doesn’t let that affect him AND still becomes the goat

[@s2769]

marty is definitely one of the greats in this game no doubt

[@drake1896]

Lmao not many fans of him call him marty

[@galacticgas7249]

Kamaru Usman is a Legend

[@isirwinalot]

This is a Inspirational Video , Thanks Usman

[@oluakinwumi1806]

This dude is favourite person right now! Mega humble!!

[@pat-tar3316]

3:04 Dana behind the camera with a gun pointed at Kamaru

[@success37]

My inspiration 🤩🇳🇬

[@aarfasayyedcom]

He worked hard...and he deserved every single penny.... Champ 🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@nilsmittelbach3961]

Such a Humble Guy ❤️

[@YawKhepra]

Taking care of the trainers! Top shelf winner right there. 👊💥

[@ahmaddarkvenger8270]

"Haven't seen that money since " my man got finessed .

[@brycemcelhaney4052]

The intro is legendary 🤣💪🏼

[@Insanecowkicker]

How can u not like the guy. A true champion!

[@Drew.2x]

Love this channel

[@charles-antoinecote7177]

Man Usman is a funny guy like him a lot

[@legacy.theproducer]

I like him alot more after this video. much respect to this family man

[@wildan2136]

kamaru is genuinely a good sportman when i see his last fight againts colby that last one is how they show respect

[@DAREALJRO]

Pound for pound headshot

[@1824ajay]

I have a lot of respect for the guy after the two Colby fights!!Usman is a tough tough guy to beat mentally!!He has the skills man and I looked at him during the fight with Colby second time he looked so composed and unfazed amazing self belief!! Absolute champion!!Only Khamzat is one last challenge left for him

[@thomasnam9460]

I wasn’t a fan of Usman before but after watching this interview p4p seems like a cool down to earth dude. Mad respect!

[@julianadams2206]

What a great guy. Wishing Kamaru plenty more success. 👍

[@soufel-maghribi5562]

I didn't really get the infinity pool... but somebody cuts my grass... we got that. 🤣🤣🤣

[@Major98]

The p4p king. He's got a sharp mind inside and outside the octagon

[@CHITUS]

Love seeing MMA greats like DC and Kamaru getting that shine they deserve!!!

[@eddiemas6788]

Good dude I wish him well. I remember meeting him at a cryo spot with his daughter and he was very respectful. Not one who seeks acknowledgment or anything.

[@Ramndozer]

0:00 He was calling to Colby

[@josephmorgan7872]

How are they going to show a TUF picture of Usman getting a front kick to the face?

[@templetonpeck7949]

Yeah fr I was like wtf 😂

[@COA319]

Amateurs

[@freshxan]

Yoo this is banger 🔥🔥

[@SpicymeatbaII]

Awesome story! Kamaru is such a real and honest champ! Love it! Keep it up!

[@loquacious-]

he abuses roids

[@idontknow8898]

I love how smart and balanced his spending is. Nothing flashy, it's all just right, and his obvious gratitude too. This guy is the P4P Best, and one of the Goats of MMA, in the UFC, and he's looking around like his cup is overflowing and loving it. I don't understand how most fighters complain about their pay, and want 10s of millions per fight, this is the NFL of fighting, sure, but the UFC ain't the NFL or NBA, or Boxing even. It's still young, in infancy, and growing. Plus it isn't run the same. You don't have teams with their own sponsors, they have a business, and employ everyone via contracts, and sponsors sponsor the company. It's a different type of sport/event.

[@ryanbratoc]

I'm not going to lie it took me a long time to become a fan of this man but he is the best in the world and he does seem like a really good dude!

[@deepee6709]

He kept it all the way real ,you gotta respect that 🎉

[@marutomarijuanis3597]

i like how he doesnt care to say so casually that he got scammed and the way he said he spent his money ...you see the martial arts humbility there but you see also the little flex he wanted to do ... good for you mr. Usman! Bravo!