David Michaud is an American professional mixed martial artist known for competing in the Welterweight division.
He has been a professional competitor since 2009 and has participated in various promotions, including the UFC, Professional Fighters League (PFL), Legacy Fighting Alliance, and Titan FC.
You can follow David Michaud’s net worth, fight purses, biography, contract, personal details, relationship status, career stats, and more here.
David Michaud’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | David Michaud |
| Nickname | Bulldawg |
| Birth Date | November 10, 1988 |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Birthplace | Pine Ridge, South Dakota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| College | South Dakota State University |
| Turned Professional | 2009 |
| Current Net Worth | $500k |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @bulldawg155 |
David Michaud was born on November 10, 1988, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. He is of Oglala Lakota Native American descent and grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Michaud was active in sports during his high school years, excelling in wrestling, football, and baseball. He achieved All-State honors in football and was a standout wrestler, finishing first in his weight class during his senior year.
Early Life
David Michaud attended South Dakota State University, initially to play football, but later shifted his focus to wrestling. He was also academically accomplished, graduating as the valedictorian of his high school class with a 4.0 GPA.
Michaud began his amateur MMA career at the age of 15, competing as a Light Heavyweight and Middleweight. He won Ring Wars Championships in both divisions with a record of 4-1.
Professional Career
David Michaud made his professional MMA debut in 2009, competing as a Welterweight in regional promotions across The Dakotas. He quickly built up an impressive record, going 4-0 before auditioning for The Ultimate Fighter in 2012.
Michaud appeared on The Ultimate Fighter 16, but lost in the entry round. After the show, he returned to regional competitions and secured a three-fight win streak, which led to his signing with the UFC.
In the UFC, Michaud had a brief stint with mixed results, going 1-2 before being released in 2015.
His career gained significant momentum when he joined the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2019.
In the PFL, Michaud reached the finals of the 2019 Welterweight Tournament, winning three out of four bouts before losing to Ray Cooper III in the finals.
Relationship Status
David Michaud is currently single and focused on his career as a Mixed Martial Artist.
David Michaud’s Net Worth Details
David Michaud’s net worth is estimated to be $500k as of 2025. His earnings primarily come from his MMA fights and potential endorsements.
Contract
Michaud began his professional career in 2009 and gained attention through his participation in The Ultimate Fighter 16. After his stint on the show, he signed with the UFC, where he fought 3 times.
After leaving the UFC, Michaud competed in several other promotions, including Bellator and Legacy Fighting Alliance, before finding a more stable opportunity with the PFL.
In the PFL, Michaud’s starting salary was $12,000 to show and $12,000 to win, which he noted was comparable to UFC’s starting pay.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
| PFL 7 (2019) | Glaico Franca | $100,000 |
| First PFL fight | Unknown | $12,000 to show, $12,000 to win |
Fight Records
| Record | Wins | Losses | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-6-0 | 18 | 6 | 0 |
Achievements
- Competed in the UFC and PFL
- Reached the PFL 2019 Welterweight Finals
- Multiple victories in regional promotions
FAQs
1. Where was David Michaud born and what is his heritage?
Michaud was born on November 10, 1988, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. He is an Oglala Lakota Native American and grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, excelling in wrestling, football, and baseball during high school.
2. How did Michaud begin his MMA career and what were his early successes?
Michaud started competing as a teenager, winning amateur titles in the Light Heavyweight and Middleweight divisions. He turned professional in 2009, quickly building a strong record in regional promotions across The Dakotas.
3. What is Michaud’s UFC record and how did his time there go?
Michaud went 1-2 in the UFC, debuting against Li Jingliang at UFC 173 and securing a win over Garett Whiteley. His UFC run ended after losing to Olivier Aubin-Mercier via submission in 2015.
4. What notable achievements did Michaud have after leaving the UFC?
Michaud competed in Titan FC, Bellator, Legacy Fighting Alliance, and the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He won several fights by KO and submission, including victories over Corey Davis in Bellator and Christian Aguilera in LFA.
5. What were Michaud’s career highlights in the Professional Fighters League?
He reached the PFL Welterweight finals in 2019 after wins over Handesson Ferreira, John Howard, and Glaico França. Michaud lost the final to Ray Cooper III by TKO in the second round.
6. Has Michaud ever competed in The Ultimate Fighter?
Michaud appeared in the entry round of The Ultimate Fighter 16, facing Eddy Ellis. He lost by submission (arm-triangle choke), but continued building his career on the regional circuit before joining the UFC.
7. What is Michaud’s fighting style and physical profile?
Competing mainly at welterweight (170 lbs) and lightweight, he stands 5’9″ with a 71-inch reach. Michaud uses an orthodox stance and is known for strong wrestling, gritty ground work, and powerful striking.
8. What is Michaud’s overall professional MMA record and methods of victory?
Michaud’s official pro record stands at 18 wins and 6 losses. He has 9 wins by KO/TKO, 5 by submission, and 4 by decision, making him a well-rounded finisher in multiple promotions.
9. What health issue led to Michaud’s retirement from MMA competition?
doctors diagnosed Michaud with a congenital bicuspid aortic valve and a dilated aortic root, which made fighting potentially fatal due to the risk of aortic dissection. He announced his retirement and now undergoes regular heart checkups.
10. What are Michaud’s contributions and impact on MMA?
Michaud earned respect for his perseverance, attitude, and ability to compete at the highest levels despite setbacks. As a Native American fighter, he inspired others from underrepresented backgrounds. Michaud remains active in his community and passionate about promoting health awareness.
