Jesse Taylor’s Net Worth Reflects His Long Road Back to the Cage
What is Jesse Taylor’s net worth—and how did a fighter once dismissed from the UFC earn his way back into the cage and stay relevant in one of the world’s most unforgiving sports? Jesse Taylor’s net worth tells a story that goes far beyond cash prizes or win-loss records. It’s about perseverance, reputation repair, and how someone can rebuild a career on the strength of sheer determination. Known for his wrestling-heavy style and his rollercoaster path through the world of mixed martial arts, Taylor may not be a household name, but his financial journey offers insight into what success really looks like in the unpredictable business of fighting.
Who Is Jesse Taylor?
Jesse Taylor, often called “JT Money,” is a professional mixed martial artist best known for his appearances on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), the UFC’s long-running reality competition series. Born on January 2, 1983, in Poway, California, Taylor grew up as an accomplished high school and collegiate wrestler, competing at California State University, Fullerton, and later at UC Davis. That strong wrestling base became his calling card in MMA, where he relied on pressure, control, and grinding pace to outwork opponents.
He began his professional MMA career in 2006, quickly racking up wins in regional promotions. By 2008, he had earned a spot on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rampage vs. Team Forrest (season 7). On the show, Taylor performed exceptionally well, earning a place in the finals. But before the finale could happen, a now-infamous incident occurred: Taylor was removed from the finale by UFC President Dana White due to unprofessional behavior after a night of drinking and vandalism at the TUF house.
For many fighters, that moment would have been the end of their UFC dream. But Jesse Taylor didn’t disappear. Instead, he fought everywhere. From Strikeforce to Cage Warriors, to World Series of Fighting (WSOF), and across international circuits in Australia, Canada, and the Middle East, Taylor rebuilt his name. He fought relentlessly, facing tough opponents and often stepping in on short notice. Eventually, in 2017, he returned to The Ultimate Fighter, this time for the “Redemption” season—and he won. That moment wasn’t just a comeback; it was a public rewriting of a narrative that had defined him for nearly a decade.
Jesse Taylor’s Net Worth: Public Estimates and Influencing Factors
Estimates of Jesse Taylor’s net worth vary, but most sources place it between $300,000 and $1 million. That range reflects the complicated financial realities of life as a working-class MMA fighter. Unlike top-tier UFC stars who can command six- or seven-figure paydays per fight, most fighters—especially those bouncing between promotions—earn their money gradually, fight by fight, supplemented by side gigs, sponsorships, and coaching work.
For Taylor, who has competed in over 40 professional bouts across the globe, the number may seem modest—but it’s earned through consistency, not spectacle. To understand his net worth, you need to understand how MMA fighters make—and sometimes lose—money in an industry where stability is rare.
Fight Earnings Across Multiple Promotions
Jesse Taylor’s income from fighting has come in a wide range of formats. In major promotions like the UFC or Strikeforce, fighters typically receive a base salary (often referred to as “show money”) and a bonus for winning. That base pay can vary widely, from around $10,000 per fight early in a UFC career to upward of $40,000 for more experienced fighters. Win bonuses often double that amount.
In Taylor’s case, during his initial UFC stint and return for TUF Redemption, he likely earned at least $20,000 to $40,000 per fight, depending on the contract. That doesn’t include potential performance bonuses, though Taylor was not known for flashy knockouts or submissions that usually net those extra awards.
Outside the UFC, in smaller promotions like Cage Warriors or ACB (Absolute Championship Berkut), pay is less standardized but can still be significant for fighters with name recognition. Taylor, known for his grind-it-out style and willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, likely commanded between $5,000 and $15,000 per fight in these circuits. He was also known for fighting frequently—sometimes more than five times a year—boosting his income through volume rather than exclusivity.
Still, the costs of fighting—training camp expenses, manager fees, travel, and medical care—cut significantly into those earnings. Fighters often walk away with a fraction of their actual purse, especially if they’re paying coaches, nutritionists, and training partners.
Winning The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption
One of the most defining moments in Jesse Taylor’s career came in 2017 when he returned to the UFC for The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption. After nearly a decade of being remembered as the guy who blew his shot, Taylor used this second opportunity to flip the narrative.
Throughout the season, he defeated fellow UFC veterans and ultimately won the finale against Dhiego Lima. For his win, he received a $250,000 prize contract and a UFC fight deal. This was both a financial and reputational win. It reintroduced Taylor to UFC audiences and gave him a brief spotlight that had eluded him for years.
Unfortunately, his UFC return was short-lived. After one fight, Taylor was flagged by USADA (the UFC’s anti-doping partner) and served a one-year suspension. This significantly slowed his momentum and likely cost him future paydays in the organization. He was later released, and while he continued fighting elsewhere, the window of UFC-level earnings had largely closed again.
Sponsorships, Appearances, and Side Gigs
In addition to fight purses, Jesse Taylor has likely earned supplemental income through sponsorships, coaching, and appearances. Before the UFC implemented the Reebok (and later, Venum) uniform deal, fighters could wear branded gear in the Octagon and secure their own sponsors. For fighters like Taylor, who were active outside the UFC for years, sponsorships were a valuable revenue stream—ranging from local gyms and nutrition companies to international MMA brands.
He has also worked as a coach and trainer, both informally and in professional gyms. Many fighters offset the unpredictability of fight schedules by coaching amateur and aspiring professional athletes. Taylor’s extensive grappling background and global experience make him a valuable resource in any MMA gym.
Additionally, fighters of Taylor’s profile are sometimes invited to speak at MMA seminars, compete in grappling tournaments, or even act as cornermen for other fighters—all of which provide small but steady sources of income. These activities may not dramatically inflate net worth, but they reflect a fighter’s ability to stay involved in the sport and earn a living even between fights.
Featured Image Source: mmafighting.com
