Emily Kagan is a name that dedicated UFC fans remember from the launch of the women’s strawweight division.
She was a key part of The Ultimate Fighter Season 20, which crowned the first-ever 115-pound champion. Although she has retired from professional fighting, her journey from a ski instructor to a UFC athlete remains inspiring.
In this article, you will know Emily Kagan’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more. We will look at where she is now and how she built her life after leaving the cage.
Emily Kagan’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emily Peters Kagan |
| Date of Birth | July 14, 1981 |
| Age | 44 |
| Education | University of Maine (Business Administration) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) |
| Weight | 115 lb (52 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Career Earnings | Approx. $26,000 (Disclosed MMA Purses) |
| Relationship Status | Private / Openly Gay |
| Instagram Profile | @emilypkagan |
| Twitter Profile | @EmilyPKagan |
Early Career
Emily Kagan did not start her athletic life in the cage. She grew up in Bangor, Maine, and was always very active in outdoor sports. Before she ever put on gloves, she worked as a ski instructor and a white-water rafting guide.
Her background was built on toughness and endurance rather than traditional martial arts. She eventually found her way to MMA and began training seriously to see how far she could push herself.
She moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to train at the famous Jackson-Wink MMA Academy. This gym is legendary for building champions like Jon Jones and Holly Holm. Training there gave Kagan a huge advantage because she worked with some of the best coaches in the world.
She started her amateur career with great focus and eventually turned professional in 2012. Her early fights showed she had a lot of heart and grit, often grinding out decisions against tough opponents.
Professional Career
Emily Kagan’s professional career hit its peak when she was selected for The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) Season 20 in 2014. This was a historic season because the winner would become the first UFC strawweight champion.
Kagan entered the show seeded as one of the middle-tier fighters. During the team selection, she was picked by coach Gilbert Melendez to join his squad.
On the show, Kagan faced a very tough opponent in the opening round, Joanne Calderwood from Scotland. Calderwood was a highly touted striker with a lot of hype. Kagan fought hard and tried to use her grappling to slow Calderwood down.
However, Calderwood’s striking was too precise. Kagan lost the fight by a majority decision after two rounds. This loss eliminated her from the tournament, but she still earned a contract to fight at the finale.
Emily Kagan’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Emily Kagan’s net worth is estimated to be modest, likely between $50,000 and $100,000.
Fight Purse
| Event | Opponent | Result | Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| TUF 20 Finale | Angela Hill | Loss | $8,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 80 | Kailin Curran | Loss | $10,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Promotion | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | UFC / TUF | $8,000 |
| 2015 | UFC | $10,000 |
| Total | All Years | ~$26,000 |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Value |
|---|---|
| UFC Record | 0-2-0 |
| Pro MMA Record | 3-3-0 |
| Wins by Knockout | 0 |
| Wins by Submission | 0 |
| Wins by Decision | 3 |
| Striking Accuracy | 28% |
| Grappling Accuracy | 15% |
| Average Fight Time | 12:06 |
FAQs
1. Why did Emily Kagan retire from the UFC?
Emily Kagan retired largely due to a severe knee injury that required major reconstructive surgery. The rehabilitation process was difficult, and she chose to prioritize her long-term health and mobility over returning to professional fighting.
2. What was Emily Kagan’s record on The Ultimate Fighter?
Emily Kagan had an exhibition record of 0-1. She lost her preliminary round fight against Joanne Calderwood by a majority decision, which eliminated her from the tournament.
3. Which gym did Emily Kagan train at during her career?
She trained at the world-renowned Jackson-Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She worked alongside elite fighters like Holly Holm, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, and Jon Jones under coaches Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn.
4. Did Emily Kagan ever fight Rose Namajunas?
Yes, Emily Kagan fought Rose Namajunas at Invicta FC 4 in January 2013. Namajunas defeated Kagan by submission (rear-naked choke) in the third round of a very competitive fight.
5. What does Emily Kagan do for a living now?
Emily Kagan works as a coach and describes herself as an outdoor adventurer. She is active in trail running and often shares her hiking and nature experiences on her social media platforms.
