Joe Soto, known as “One Bad Mofo” in the world of mixed martial arts, has had a remarkable career filled with ups and downs.
From his humble beginnings to his time in the UFC, Soto’s story is one of perseverance and dedication.
This article teaches you about Joe Soto’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Joe Soto’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph Angel Soto |
| Nickname | “One Bad Mofo” |
| Born | March 22, 1987 |
| Age | 37 |
| College | Iowa Central Community College |
| Religion | Pentecostal |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’6″ (167.6 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2006 |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Salary | Varied (see fight purses) |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @joesoto135 |
Early Career
Soto’s journey in combat sports began in junior high when he started wrestling in 8th grade. He also played pop warner football, showcasing his athletic versatility from a young age.
This success earned him an athletic scholarship to Iowa Central Community College, where he became a 2-time NJCAA All-American.
It was during this time that Soto introduced Jones to jiu-jitsu and MMA, laying the groundwork for both of their future careers in the sport.
Professional Career
Soto’s professional MMA career began in 2006, and he quickly made a name for himself in various promotions. His big break came when he joined Bellator Fighting Championships.
In a remarkable achievement, Soto became the inaugural Bellator Featherweight World Champion and the first winner of their Featherweight Tournament.
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His time in Bellator was marked by both triumphs and setbacks. A notable incident occurred just before his championship fight when he cut his eyelid during a warm-up.
Soto’s career took him to the UFC, where he faced some of the toughest competition in the bantamweight division.
His UFC stint included impressive victories and challenging losses, showcasing his resilience and skill against top-tier opponents.
Joe Soto’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Joe Soto’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night 89 | Chris Beal | – |
| TUF Latin America 3 Finale | Marco Beltrán | – |
| UFC Fight Night 106 | Rani Yahya | – |
| UFC Fight Night 125 | Iuri Alcântara | $20,000 (disclosed) |
Contract
Soto’s last known UFC contract was a 4-fight deal, which ended with his fight against Iuri Alcântara in February 2018. He was released from the UFC in August 2018.
Endorsements
- Reebok: As part of the UFC’s outfitting policy, Soto received payments from the Reebok deal. For example, he earned $5,000 in Reebok pay for his fight at UFC Fight Night 125.
Career Records
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 25 |
| Wins | 18 |
| Losses | 7 |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 5 |
| Wins by Submission | 10 |
| Wins by Decision | 3 |
Notable opponents:
- T.J. Dillashaw (UFC 177)
- Rani Yahya (UFC Fight Night 106)
- Brett Johns (TUF 26 Finale)
- Iuri Alcântara (UFC Fight Night 125)
FAQs
1. Who is Joe Soto?
Joe Soto is an American professional mixed martial artist who competed in the bantamweight division of the UFC. Born on March 22, 1987, he has a professional MMA record of 18 wins and 7 losses and is known by the nickname “One Bad Mofo”.
2. What are Joe Soto’s notable achievements in MMA?
Soto was the inaugural Bellator Featherweight World Champion and the first winner of Bellator’s Featherweight Tournament. He also held the Tachi Palace Fights Bantamweight Championship and competed in the Eddie Bravo Invitational Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition.
3. What was Joe Soto’s most memorable fight?
One of his most memorable fights was at Bellator 27, where he lost the Bellator Featherweight World Championship to Joe Warren. During this fight, Soto was knocked unconscious in the second round after a dominant first round performance.
4. What fighting style does Joe Soto use?
Joe Soto is proficient in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has demonstrated strong submission skills throughout his career. He has won many of his fights by submission and competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments like the Eddie Bravo Invitational.
5. When did Joe Soto start his professional MMA career?
Joe Soto became a professional MMA competitor in 2006, starting his career with various regional promotions before moving on to larger organizations like Bellator and the UFC.
6. What was Joe Soto’s last fight in the UFC?
His last UFC fight was against Iuri Alcântara on February 3, 2018, which he lost by TKO in the first round. After this fight, he was released from the UFC.
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