David Teymur is one of the most enigmatic figures in the UFC lightweight division, known as much for his elite striking as for his viral “take care of your underwears” quote.
Despite a prolonged absence from the Octagon, the Swedish striker remains a cult favorite among MMA fans who remember his thrilling five-fight win streak and technical brilliance.
In this article, you will know David Teymur’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
David Teymur’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Teymur |
| Date of Birth | May 1, 1989 |
| Age | 36 |
| Nationality | Swedish |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 155 lbs (70 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | Est. $1.5 Million |
| Source of Wealth | MMA Purses, Bonuses, Kickboxing |
| Marital Status | Unmarried / Private |
| Brother | Daniel Teymur (UFC Fighter) |
| Stance | Southpaw |
Early Career
David Teymur’s journey into combat sports began long before he ever donned UFC gloves. Growing up in Sweden, he started his athletic life in Muay Thai and kickboxing, where he developed the lethal striking game that would later define his MMA career.
He was not just a hobbyist; Teymur competed at a high level in the Swedish kickboxing circuit, amassing a record that highlighted his technical precision and power.
His transition to professional Mixed Martial Arts began in 2013, where he fought in smaller European promotions like International Ring Fight Arena (IRFA) and Trophy MMA.
His early MMA record was impressive but mixed, starting with a loss in his debut before rattling off consecutive victories that showcased his adaptability. However, his true breakout moment came when he was cast on The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber (Season 22) in 2015.
Representing Team McGregor, Teymur became an instant fan favorite not just for his fighting style, but for his distinct personality.
Although he lost in the quarterfinals, his performance on the show proved he had the skills to compete at the highest level, earning him a contract with the UFC.
Professional Career
Teymur’s official UFC debut in 2016 was nothing short of spectacular. He faced fellow TUF competitor Martin Svensson and announced his arrival with a second-round TKO, displaying a level of striking sophistication rarely seen in prospects.
This victory kicked off an impressive five-fight winning streak in the shark tank that is the UFC lightweight division. He followed up his debut with a knockout of Jason Novelli and a unanimous decision over the highly touted Lando Vannata at UFC 209.
The Vannata fight, in particular, was a “Fight of the Night” classic that cemented Teymur’s status as a must-watch action fighter.
He continued his ascent by defeating tough veterans like Drakkar Klose and Nik Lentz, relying on his superior footwork and counter-striking to dismantle opponents who tried to grapple with him.
By 2018, Teymur was knocking on the door of the top 15 rankings. However, his momentum hit a wall in February 2019 when he faced submission specialist Charles Oliveira. Teymur was submitted in the second round, marking his first loss in the promotion.
Since that fight, Teymur has remained inactive due to reported chronic neck injuries and contract negotiations, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a potential return that has been teased but never materialized as of late 2025.
David Teymur’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, David Teymur has an estimated net worth of roughly $1.5 million. This wealth has been accumulated primarily through his fight purses, performance bonuses, and his pre-UFC kickboxing career.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Base Purse | Win Bonus | Performance Bonuses | Total Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night 84 | Martin Svensson | Win | $10,000 | $10,000 | N/A | $22,500 (w/ Reebok) |
| UFC Fight Night 92 | Jason Novelli | Win | $12,000 | $12,000 | N/A | $26,500 (w/ Reebok) |
| UFC 209 | Lando Vannata | Win | $14,000 | $14,000 | $50,000 (FOTN) | $78,000 |
| UFC 218 | Drakkar Klose | Win | $16,000 | $16,000 | N/A | $34,500 (w/ Reebok) |
| UFC Fight Night 131 | Nik Lentz | Win | $18,000 | $18,000 | N/A | $40,000 (w/ Reebok) |
| UFC on ESPN+ 2 | Charles Oliveira | Loss | $20,000 | $0 | N/A | $24,000 (w/ Reebok) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Total Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $49,000 |
| 2017 | $112,500 |
| 2018 | $40,000 |
| 2019 | $24,000 |
| 2020-2025 | Inactive / Undisclosed |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record / Value |
|---|---|
| Professional Record | 8-2-0 |
| UFC Record | 5-1 |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 4 (50%) |
| Wins by Decision | 4 (50%) |
| Striking Accuracy | 40% |
| Strikes Landed/Min | 3.84 |
| Strikes Absorbed/Min | 2.89 |
| Takedown Defense | 88% |
FAQs
1. Why has David Teymur remained inactive since?
Chronic neck injuries and prolonged contract disputes have kept him out of the cage since his last appearance. Although he often teases a comeback on social media, these lingering health setbacks prevent him from booking a new fight.
2. What is the origin of the “take care of your underwears” quote?
He accidentally created a viral meme during The Ultimate Fighter Season 22 while arguing with Cody Garbrandt. He intended to say “take care of your underdogs” but confusingly shouted “take care of your underwears” to his opponent instead.
3. Is David Teymur officially retired from MMA?
He has never officially submitted retirement papers to the UFC or USADA despite his six-year absence. He remains technically eligible to fight, though fans and analysts largely consider him inactive until he announces a specific return date.
4. Who is Teymur’s famous brother in the UFC?
His older brother, Daniel Teymur, also fought in the UFC featherweight and lightweight divisions for several years. The siblings train together at Allstars Training Center in Sweden and frequently corner each other during their professional bouts.
5. How did the fight between Teymur and Charles Oliveira end?
Charles Oliveira defeated him via submission in the second round at UFC Fight Night 144 in Brazil. Oliveira secured an anaconda choke after Teymur struggled with vision issues following an accidental eye poke earlier in the match.
