Daniel Cormier is more than just a former UFC champion he is one of the most respected figures in modern mixed martial arts.
From dominating the wrestling world to becoming a two division UFC titleholder, Cormier built a legendary career based on discipline, intelligence, and relentless hard work.
But beyond the championships and highlight reel knockouts, fans are increasingly curious about one important question: what is Daniel Cormier’s net worth?
Over the years, Cormier has earned millions through UFC fight purses, pay-per-view bonuses, endorsement deals, and his successful transition into sports broadcasting with ESPN.
Unlike many fighters who fade financially after retirement, Cormier has continued to grow his wealth through smart business moves and a strong media presence.
In this article, we take a deep dive into Daniel Cormier’s income, career earnings, and how he turned his fighting success into a lasting financial empire.
Daniel Cormier Net Worth (Estimated)
Daniel Cormier’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $8 million to $12 million, making him one of the wealthiest fighters in UFC history outside of crossover superstars like Conor McGregor. While Cormier never chased flashy lifestyles or controversial headlines, his steady climb through the ranks of MMA allowed him to build long-term financial stability that many fighters never achieve.
A major portion of his wealth comes from his years as a top-level UFC competitor. Cormier held championship titles in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, placing him among a very small group of fighters who have ever achieved this feat. Championship bouts come with significantly higher pay, including pay-per-view bonuses, sponsorship incentives, and win bonuses that can multiply a fighter’s base salary.
Cormier’s biggest paydays came from his rivalry with Jon Jones and his heavyweight trilogy with Stipe Miocic. These blockbuster fights generated millions of dollars in PPV sales, allowing Cormier to earn a percentage of the revenue in addition to his guaranteed fight purse. Over the course of his UFC career, it is believed that he earned well over $20 million in combined fight purses, bonuses, and PPV points.
What separates Daniel Cormier from many other retired fighters is his successful transition into media and broadcasting. After stepping away from competition, he became a lead analyst for ESPN and a regular UFC commentator. This role provides him with a steady annual salary and keeps him highly visible in the sports world, opening the door to new sponsorships, appearances, and business opportunities.
Thanks to smart financial planning and multiple income streams, Daniel Cormier’s wealth continues to grow even years after his last fight.
UFC Career Earnings
Daniel Cormier’s UFC career is the foundation of his financial success. When he first joined the UFC in 2013, he was already an elite wrestler and Strikeforce heavyweight champion, which allowed him to negotiate a strong contract compared to most newcomers. As he quickly began defeating top-ranked opponents, his fight purses increased significantly with every new deal.
Early in his UFC run, Cormier was reportedly earning several hundred thousand dollars per fight, including win bonuses and sponsorships. Once he captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in 2015, his pay jumped into the million-dollar range for major title defenses. Championship fighters receive a higher base salary, a percentage of pay-per-view sales, and performance bonuses, all of which greatly boosted Cormier’s earnings.
Some of his biggest paydays came from his legendary rivalry with Jon Jones. These highly anticipated bouts attracted massive global audiences, which meant Cormier earned additional PPV revenue on top of his guaranteed fight money. His move up to heavyweight also paid off when he defeated Stipe Miocic to win a second UFC belt. That fight, along with the two rematches that followed, generated huge pay-per-view numbers and delivered multi-million-dollar payouts.
By the time Cormier retired from active competition in 2020, he had fought in more than a dozen UFC main events and title fights. Across his entire MMA career, including his Strikeforce days and UFC tenure, experts estimate that Daniel Cormier earned well over $25 million from fighting alone, making him one of the highest-earning champions in MMA history.
Broadcasting, ESPN Salary, and Media Income
After retiring from professional fighting, Daniel Cormier made one of the smartest moves of his career by stepping into sports broadcasting. His deep knowledge of mixed martial arts, combined with his natural personality and clear communication style, quickly made him a fan favorite on ESPN and UFC broadcasts. This transition allowed Cormier to replace unpredictable fight income with a stable, long-term revenue stream.
Cormier works as one of ESPN’s lead UFC analysts and color commentators, appearing on major pay-per-view events, weekly MMA programming, and special UFC coverage. While ESPN does not publicly release individual salaries, industry estimates suggest that top-level combat sports analysts earn between $500,000 and $1 million per year, depending on workload and contract length. Given Cormier’s status as a former two-division champion and one of the most recognizable faces in MMA, he is believed to be on the higher end of that range.
Beyond live event commentary, Cormier also earns money from television appearances, podcast interviews, UFC promotional events, and MMA documentaries. These opportunities pay appearance fees and further increase his brand value. Being visible on mainstream sports networks also makes him more attractive to advertisers and sponsors, allowing him to secure higher-paying endorsement deals than he could as a retired athlete alone.
In addition, Cormier has hosted and appeared on various MMA and sports podcasts, some of which include sponsorship and advertising revenue. All of these media-related income streams work together to create a reliable flow of cash that continues to grow his net worth long after he stopped competing in the octagon.
Endorsements, Sponsorships, and Brand Deals
In addition to his fight and broadcasting income, Daniel Cormier has earned a significant amount of money through endorsement and sponsorship deals. Throughout his UFC career, he was one of the most marketable fighters in the sport thanks to his championship status, clean public image, and strong fan loyalty. Brands prefer athletes who are respected both inside and outside their sport, and Cormier fit that profile perfectly.
During his fighting days, Cormier was part of the UFC’s official outfitting deal with Reebok and later Venum, which provided guaranteed sponsorship income for every fight. While these uniform deals limited individual fighter sponsors inside the octagon, Cormier was still able to secure personal brand partnerships outside of fight week. He worked with major companies such as Monster Energy, Toyo Tires, and other sports and fitness brands.
After retiring from competition, his value to sponsors actually increased. As a full-time ESPN analyst, Cormier now reaches a much wider mainstream sports audience. This allows him to command higher fees for promotions, commercials, and sponsored content. Brands pay premium rates for athletes who have both credibility and media exposure, and Cormier delivers both.
Social media has also become an important income stream. With millions of followers across platforms, Cormier can earn money through sponsored posts, product promotions, and paid partnerships. Even a single sponsored campaign can be worth tens of thousands of dollars, depending on reach and engagement.
Combined, endorsements and sponsorships contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to Daniel Cormier’s income, adding another powerful layer to his growing financial portfolio.
Business Ventures and Entrepreneurial Income
Daniel Cormier has never relied solely on fighting to secure his financial future. Throughout his career and into retirement, he has focused on building businesses that provide long-term income and stability. One of his most important ventures is his involvement in MMA gyms and training facilities, where he works as a coach and mentor to the next generation of fighters. Through gym memberships, private coaching, and training programs, this side of his career produces steady revenue.
Cormier is also a frequent speaker and guest at MMA seminars, corporate events, and sports conferences. These appearances can pay anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per event, depending on the size of the audience and the type of engagement. As a UFC Hall of Fame–level figure, Cormier commands premium rates for his time and expertise.
Merchandising is another growing part of his brand. From branded apparel to training gear and digital content, Cormier earns royalties and sales income tied to his name and likeness. His long-standing popularity among MMA fans ensures consistent demand for his products.
In addition, Cormier has explored opportunities in digital media, including hosting and contributing to online MMA shows and podcasts that are supported by sponsorships and advertising. These platforms allow him to monetize his knowledge while also strengthening his personal brand.
Together, these business ventures provide a diversified income stream that protects Daniel Cormier from the financial instability that many former athletes face. Instead of depending on a single paycheck, he benefits from multiple revenue sources that continue to grow year after year.
Assets, Lifestyle, and How Daniel Cormier Spends His Money
Unlike many professional athletes who live extremely flashy lifestyles, Daniel Cormier is known for being financially responsible and family-oriented. A large portion of his wealth is invested in real estate, including his primary home and other property holdings that provide long-term value and stability. Real estate is a smart investment for retired athletes because it helps protect wealth against inflation while generating passive income.
Cormier also owns several high-end vehicles, but he is not known for excessive spending on luxury supercars or extravagant collections. Instead, his spending reflects practicality and comfort rather than status. This conservative financial approach has allowed him to preserve much of the money he earned during his peak fighting years.
Family is another major priority. Cormier has spoken publicly about providing a secure future for his children, which includes funding education, housing, and long-term investments. This long-term mindset is one of the key reasons his net worth has remained strong after retirement.
Charity and community work also play a role in how he uses his money. Cormier supports youth wrestling programs, MMA development initiatives, and community outreach efforts that help young athletes find positive paths through sports. While these donations may not directly increase his wealth, they strengthen his public image and personal legacy.
By balancing smart investing, moderate spending, and giving back to the community, Daniel Cormier has created a sustainable financial lifestyle that continues to support his growing net worth.
Daniel Cormier vs Other MMA Legends
When comparing Daniel Cormier’s net worth to other MMA legends, it becomes clear how impressive his financial achievements really are. While superstars like Conor McGregor have earned far more due to boxing matches, whiskey brands, and global fame, Cormier’s wealth stands out for its stability and consistency.
For example, Jon Jones, Cormier’s longtime rival, has earned massive fight purses but has also faced legal issues and career interruptions that affected his financial growth. Khabib Nurmagomedov, another MMA icon, built much of his wealth through business ventures and international endorsements after retiring. Stipe Miocic, who fought Cormier in three blockbuster heavyweight bouts, earned millions but has largely stepped away from media and brand-building opportunities.
What makes Cormier unique is how well he transitioned from fighter to media personality. This move gave him access to steady income, sponsorships, and new business opportunities that many fighters never secure. While he may not have the highest net worth in MMA history, his diversified income streams make him one of the most financially secure former champions in the sport.
Cormier’s reputation also plays a huge role. Brands, broadcasters, and fans trust him, which increases his earning potential across multiple platforms. In the long run, this reliability and professionalism may allow him to out-earn some fighters who made more money inside the octagon but failed to build lasting careers outside of it.
How Daniel Cormier Continues to Make Money in Retirement
Even years after his final UFC fight, Daniel Cormier remains one of the most active and profitable figures in mixed martial arts. His role as a full-time ESPN and UFC analyst provides him with a reliable base income that does not depend on injuries, training camps, or fight results. Every major UFC pay-per-view and Fight Night event keeps him in front of millions of viewers, which continues to increase his brand value.
Cormier also benefits from ongoing sponsorship renewals. Brands prefer working with familiar, trusted personalities, and his constant TV presence makes him even more attractive to advertisers. As MMA continues to grow globally, Cormier’s influence and reach also expand, allowing him to negotiate better endorsement deals over time.
In addition, Cormier remains deeply involved in coaching and mentoring fighters. Many up-and-coming athletes seek his guidance, and this creates additional income through training fees, gym memberships, and private sessions. He is also regularly invited to host seminars, appear at MMA expos, and participate in sports conventions, all of which come with appearance fees.
Digital media has become another powerful income source. Through podcasts, YouTube appearances, and social media collaborations, Cormier can earn money from advertising, sponsorships, and brand partnerships without leaving his home.
By combining broadcasting, coaching, sponsorships, and digital platforms, Daniel Cormier has built a retirement income model that continues to grow, proving that smart planning can turn a fighting career into lifelong financial success.
Final Verdict – How Rich Is Daniel Cormier Really?
When all of Daniel Cormier’s income streams are combined, it becomes clear that his financial success is no accident. Unlike many athletes who depend on one big payday, Cormier built his wealth gradually through discipline, consistency, and smart career choices. His UFC career gave him a strong financial foundation, but it was his transition into media, business, and brand-building that truly secured his future.
Cormier’s estimated net worth in the $8 million to $12 million range reflects not just what he earned inside the octagon, but also how wisely he managed it afterward. Championship fights, pay-per-view bonuses, and sponsorships gave him millions during his peak years, while ESPN, endorsements, and business ventures now provide reliable income well into retirement.
What sets him apart from many former fighters is his reputation. Daniel Cormier is widely respected as a professional, a mentor, and a role model. This makes him valuable to broadcasters, sponsors, and fans alike, keeping opportunities flowing long after he stopped competing. Trust and credibility are powerful assets, and Cormier has both.
His story also shows younger athletes that success does not have to end when the fighting stops. By planning ahead, investing wisely, and building a personal brand, Cormier has turned a physically demanding sport into long-term financial security.
In the end, Daniel Cormier is not just a UFC legend — he is a smart businessman and media personality whose wealth continues to grow year after year, making him one of the most financially successful champions in MMA history.
FAQs
What is Daniel Cormier’s net worth in 2026?
Daniel Cormier’s net worth in 2026 is estimated to be between $8 million and $12 million. This includes his earnings from UFC fights, pay-per-view bonuses, broadcasting contracts with ESPN, sponsorships, and business ventures.
How much did Daniel Cormier make in the UFC?
Throughout his UFC career, Cormier earned over $20 million from fight purses, bonuses, and pay-per-view shares. His biggest earnings came from championship fights against Jon Jones and his heavyweight trilogy with Stipe Miocic.
Does Daniel Cormier still make money after retirement?
Yes, Daniel Cormier continues to earn a strong income. He works as a UFC analyst and commentator for ESPN, receives sponsorship deals, and earns money from coaching, seminars, and digital media appearances.
What is Daniel Cormier’s ESPN salary?
While exact figures are not public, industry estimates suggest that Cormier earns between $500,000 and $1 million per year from his ESPN and UFC broadcasting roles.
Does Daniel Cormier own a gym?
Cormier is involved in MMA training and coaching through gyms and fighter development programs. These ventures generate income through memberships, private training, and seminars.
Is Daniel Cormier richer than Jon Jones?
Jon Jones is believed to have a slightly higher net worth due to larger fight purses, but Cormier’s steady income from ESPN and business ventures makes his financial future more stable.
How does Daniel Cormier invest his money?
Cormier focuses on real estate, family security, business ventures, and long-term investments rather than luxury spending, helping preserve and grow his wealth over time.
Conclusion:
Daniel Cormier’s financial journey is a powerful example of how a professional athlete can turn sporting success into long term wealth.
While many fans remember him for his championships, rivalries, and unforgettable UFC moments, his smartest moves may have come after he stepped out of the octagon.
By transitioning into broadcasting, growing his personal brand, and investing in business ventures, Cormier created a steady income that continues to build his net worth year after year.
Unlike fighters who rely on a single big payday, Cormier diversified his earnings.
His UFC career provided millions in fight purses and bonuses, but his ESPN analyst role, endorsements, coaching work, and digital media presence now form the backbone of his financial stability.
This balanced approach protects him from the risks that come with professional sports and ensures a secure future for his family.
Cormier’s reputation also plays a major role in his success. He is widely seen as a professional, trustworthy, and intelligent figure in MMA, which makes him highly valuable to broadcasters and brands. That credibility keeps new opportunities coming his way long after his fighting days have ended.
In the end, Daniel Cormier is not just a two division UFC champion he is a savvy businessman who used discipline, planning, and smart decisions to build lasting wealth.
His story proves that with the right mindset, a fighting career can become the foundation for lifelong financial success.
