Jonathan Pearce has carved out a reputation as one of the UFC’s toughest featherweights, overcoming personal adversity and climbing the ranks through determination and finishing ability.
In this article, you’ll discover his background, key milestones from his early days in Tennessee to the bright lights of Dana White’s Contender Series and the Octagon, as well as a breakdown of his earnings, contract terms, endorsements, and career statistics heading into 2025.
Jonathan Pearce’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan Mark Pearce |
| Date of Birth | May 1, 1992 |
| Age | 33 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight Division | Featherweight (145 lb) |
| Turned Pro | November 8, 2014 |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Some college (dropped out to pursue MMA) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 – $1 million |
| Instagram Profile | @jspmma |
| Twitter Profile | @jspmma |
| Partner | Katie |
| Children | Son – Rowan Tyler |
Early Career
Jonathan Pearce grew up in Johnson City, Tennessee, where he first found a love for combat sports through youth wrestling. By age 12, he was already competing on the mats, developing the tenacity and work ethic that would serve him later in mixed martial arts.
In college, Pearce pursued higher education while continuing to hone his wrestling skills. However, a brutal assault at his local gym on his nineteenth birthday left him with multiple facial fractures that required plates and screws to repair. He lost significant weight during the recovery and spent months regaining his strength and mobility.
During that challenging period, his then-fiancée stood by him, helping him through the physical pain and emotional strain of rebuilding both his body and confidence. Remarkably, just six months after the attack, Pearce returned to the cage for his professional debut in November 2014.
Facing Noe Quintanilla at Evolution Combat Sports Series 2, he scored a knockout victory in the third round. Over the next year, he rattled off three more stoppages, earning a 4–0 record that showcased his finishing instincts.
Then came a crossroads. His relationship ended, and an untimely string of three straight defeats followed-a toe-hold submission, a rear-naked choke, and a unanimous decision loss. Those setbacks forced Pearce to reassess his career, leading him to relocate to Scottsdale, Arizona, to train at The MMA Lab under multiple coaches.
There he refined his striking, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Casey Oxendine and other experts, embedding new tools into his arsenal. By late 2017, he had rebounded with four consecutive victories-two by TKO in Bellator’s Fight Series and two more stoppages on the regional circuit-setting the stage for a life-changing opportunity.
Professional Career
Pearce’s breakout came on July 9, 2019, when he stepped into Dana White’s Contender Series cage to face Jacob Rosales. In a back-and-forth bout, he weathered an armbar attempt before unloading relentless strikes in the third round to secure a TKO finish and earn a UFC contract. His performance underscored an aggressive, pressure-heavy style that thrives on forward movement and precise punching combinations.
He made his UFC debut against veteran Joe Lauzon on October 18, 2019, in Boston. Despite a hard-fought start, Pearce was caught by a right hand early in the first round and suffered a TKO loss.
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Rather than derail his momentum, the defeat became a learning opportunity. He returned over a year later at UFC on ESPN: Smith vs. Clark, defeating Kai Kamaka III via second-round TKO. That win marked his return to featherweight and proved he could adjust after a setback.
In September 2021, Pearce stepped in against Omar Morales at UFC 266 and showcased his grappling credentials, locking up a rear-naked choke in round two. Six months later, he faced Christian Rodriguez and displayed improved cardio and striking defense to win a unanimous decision.
His career highlight came in July 2022 in London, where he delivered a second-round TKO of Makwan Amirkhani, earning Performance of the Night honors and nearly cracking the division’s Top 15.
Pearce closed out 2022 with a decision win over Darren Elkins but hit turbulence in late 2023 and early 2024, dropping three consecutive bouts-most recently to Pat Sabatini via first-round submission.
Now back in camp at Fight Ready MMA & Fitness under the guidance of coaches with UFC pedigree, he’s sharpening both his wrestling entries and striking counters to reignite his ascent.
Wife
Jonathan Pearce’s partner, Katie, has been a steady presence since their relationship began. Together they welcomed a son, Rowan Tyler, in June 2023, adding new motivation to Pearce’s career.
The couple shares family moments on Pearce’s Instagram, where he balances fight updates with snapshots of fatherhood. Katie manages their household and supports Pearce through training camps, recovery, and fight week, often traveling alongside him to events.
Jonathan Pearce’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Jonathan Pearce’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 – $1 million.
Fight Purses
| Year | Number of Fights | Reported UFC Purses* |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | ~$36,000 |
| 2020 | 1 | ~$18,000 |
| 2021 | 1 | ~$18,000 |
| 2022 | 3 | ~$120,000 |
| 2023 | 1 | ~$35,000 |
| 2024 | 2 | ~$75,000 |
Endorsements
Pearce aligns with fight brands such as Venum for fight kits and training gear. He also partners with local Tennessee-based supplement companies and occasionally features sponsored content on his social media, highlighting his approach to training nutrition and recovery.
Career Records
| Opponent | Event | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Sabatini | UFC Fight Night 244 | Loss | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) |
| David Onama | UFC on ESPN 55 | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) |
| Darren Elkins | UFC Fight Night | Win | Decision (Unanimous) |
| Makwan Amirkhani | UFC Fight Night | Win | TKO (Punches) |
| Omar Morales | UFC 266 | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) |
| Kai Kamaka III | UFC on ESPN | Win | TKO (Punches) |
| Joe Lauzon | UFC on ESPN | Loss | TKO (Punches) |
FAQs
1. What injury did Jonathan Pearce suffer early in his career and how did he recover?
Pearce was ambushed in a Tennessee gym in 2015, resulting in facial fractures that required plates and screws. He lost 40 pounds during recovery but, six months later, returned to competition, rebuilding his strength and confidence through disciplined training and rehab.
2. How did Pearce earn his UFC contract?
He secured his UFC deal on Dana White’s Contender Series 19 by finishing Jacob Rosales via third-round TKO. His come-forward style and resilience impressed UFC president Dana White, earning him a multi-fight entry-level contract.
3. Who is Jonathan Pearce’s primary coach and training camp?
After early career training in Tennessee, Pearce moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, joining Fight Ready MMA & Fitness and previously The MMA Lab. He holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Casey Oxendine and works with striking and wrestling coaches at both camps.
4. What are Pearce’s most notable UFC victories?
His standout win came against Makwan Amirkhani in July 2022, where Pearce scored a second-round TKO and collected a Performance of the Night bonus. Other key victories include TKO wins over Kai Kamaka III and last-minute submissions against Omar Morales.
5. How does Pearce balance family life and fighting?
Pearce’s partner Katie and their son Rowan Tyler are central to his support system. He shares moments from fight camp alongside family snapshots on social media, crediting Katie with managing household life and travel logistics so he can focus entirely on training and recovery.
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