James Moontasri’s journey in combat sports began long before he stepped into the world of mixed martial arts.
As a young athlete, he excelled in Taekwondo, showcasing exceptional skill and dedication to the art.
In this article, you will learn about James Moontasri’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
James Moontasri’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Moontasri |
| Nickname | “Moonwalker” |
| Date of Birth | – |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Korean and Thai descent |
| Height | – |
| Weight Class | Welterweight (previously Lightweight) |
| Team | Black House MMA |
| Fighting Style | Mixed Martial Arts, Taekwondo |
Early Career
James Moontasri’s journey into the world of combat sports began long before he stepped into the mixed martial arts arena.
As a young athlete, Moontasri found his passion in Taekwondo, a Korean martial art known for its high, fast kicks and spinning techniques.
He dedicated himself to mastering this discipline, spending countless hours honing his skills and perfecting his techniques.
Professional Career
James Moontasri made his professional MMA debut in 2008, marking the beginning of an exciting career in the sport.
His early fights took place in various regional promotions, where he quickly made a name for himself with his dynamic striking and improving ground game.
As Moontasri progressed in his career, he caught the attention of larger organizations.
His performances in RFA were impressive, with notable wins that put him on the radar of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
James Moontasri’s Net Worth Details
James Moontasri’s net worth is estimated to be $20 million as of 2025.
Fight Purse
| Event | Opponent | Result | Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC on Fox 22 | Alex Morono | Loss | $16,000 |
Endorsements
- Nutrition and supplement companies
- Energy drink manufacturers
- Fitness-related products or services
- Local businesses in their home area
Fight Records
| Opponent | Result | Event | Date | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Morono | Loss | UFC on Fox: VanZant vs. Waterson | December 17, 2016 | Decision (Unanimous) |
| Alex Oliveira | Loss | UFC on Fox: Holm vs. Shevchenko | July 23, 2016 | Decision (Unanimous) |
| Kevin Lee | Loss | UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee | July 15, 2015 | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) |
| Cody Pfister | Win | UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Thatch | February 14, 2015 | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) |
| Joe Ellenberger | Loss | UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens | June 28, 2014 | Decision (Split) |
FAQs
1. Who is James Moontasri?
James Moontasri is a retired German-born American mixed martial artist of Korean and Thai descent. He competed in the UFC and Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) as a welterweight, earning recognition for his striking skills. Post-retirement, he transitioned to a career as a Hollywood stunt coordinator and martial arts coach.
2. What is James Moontasri’s professional MMA record?
Moontasri holds a professional MMA record of 9 wins and 5 losses, with victories including 4 knockouts, 3 submissions, and 2 decisions. Notable opponents include Kevin Lee, Alex Oliveira, and Anton Zafir.
3. What martial arts background does James Moontasri have?
He is a decorated Taekwondo practitioner, winning a silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games and being named 2007 USA Taekwondo Male Athlete of the Year. He also holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and trained in Muay Thai.
4. When did James Moontasri retire from MMA?
Moontasri retired after his final UFC fight against Alex Morono in December 2016. He shifted focus to coaching and stunt coordination in Hollywood, working on projects like Mulan (2020) and Fast X (2023).
5. What are James Moontasri’s most memorable UFC fights?
- A spinning back kick TKO victory over Anton Zafir at UFC 193 (2015).
- A submission win against Cody Pfister in 2015.
- A controversial split-decision loss to Joe Ellenberger in his UFC debut (2014).
6. Where was James Moontasri born?
He was born in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 10, 1988, to a Korean-American mother and a Thai-American military father. He later moved to the United States.
7. What is James Moontasri’s nickname, and how did he get it?
His nickname, “Moonwalker”, reflects his agile, dynamic fighting style and Taekwondo-influenced footwork. It also plays on his surname, “Moontasri.”
8. What accolades did James Moontasri earn in Taekwondo?
- Silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games.
- 2x USA Taekwondo National Champion.
- 2007 USA Taekwondo Male Athlete of the Year.
9. What is James Moontasri doing after MMA?
He works as a stunt coordinator and performer in Hollywood, contributing to major films like The Beekeeper (2024) and The Equalizer TV series. He also coaches martial arts at Black House MMA.
10. How tall is James Moontasri?
Moontasri stands at 5’10” (177.8 cm) and competed at a walk-around weight of approximately 170–171 lbs during his MMA career.
