Joshua Ray Burkman, known as Josh Burkman, is a retired American mixed martial artist who made a significant impact in the Welterweight division of the UFC.
In this article, you will learn about Josh Burkman’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Josh Burkman’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joshua Ray Burkman |
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Draper, Utah |
| Height | 5’10” |
| Weight | 170 lbs |
| Spouse | Brandy Lyn Winfield |
Early Career
From a young age, he displayed remarkable athleticism, excelling in various sports such as football, baseball, and wrestling.
His passion for sports led him to pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA), where he quickly made a name for himself.
Burkman’s early career was marked by his participation in various local competitions, gradually building his reputation as a formidable fighter.
Professional Career
Burkman’s professional MMA career began in the early 2000s. He gained recognition for his tenacity and skill inside the octagon, eventually earning a spot in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Over his career, Burkman competed in 47 professional fights, including 19 UFC bouts.
Throughout his career, he faced some of the top names in the sport and was ranked among the top 10 UFC fighters for several years.
Wife
He married Brandy Lyn Winfield on December 1, 2011. The couple shares a strong bond and has been blessed with children.
Josh Burkman’s Net Worth Details
Josh Burkman’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025.
Fight Purses
| Year | Base Salary (Estimated) | Win Bonus (Estimated) | Performance Bonuses (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early 2000s | $10,000 – $20,000 | $10,000 | N/A |
| Mid-2000s | $20,000 – $30,000 | $15,000 | $50,000 (occasionally) |
| Late-2000s | $30,000 – $40,000 | $20,000 | $50,000 (occasionally) |
| Early 2010s | $40,000 – $50,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 (occasionally) |
| Late 2010s | $50,000 – $60,000 | $30,000 | $50,000 (occasionally) |
Fight Stats
| Opponent | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| William Macario | LFA 66 – Diamond vs. Neal | Loss – Decision (Split) Round 3 |
| Alex Morono | UFC Fight Night 126 – Cerrone vs. Medeiros | Loss – Submission (Guillotine Choke) Round 1 |
| Drew Dober | UFC 214: Cormier vs. Jones 2 | Loss – TKO Round 1 |
| Michel Prazeres | UFC Fight Night 106: Belfort vs. Gastelum | Loss – Submission Round 1 |
| Zak Ottow | UFC Fight Night 96 – Lineker vs. Dodson | Loss – Decision (Split) Round 3 |
| Paul Felder | UFC Fight Night 88 – Almeida vs. Garbrandt | Loss – Decision (Unanimous) Round 3 |
| K.J. Noons | UFC Fight Night 82 – Hendricks vs. Thompson | Win – Decision (Unanimous) Round 3 |
| Patrick Cote | UFC Fight Night 74 – Holloway vs. Oliveira | Loss – TKO (Punches) Round 3 |
| Dong Hyun Kim | UFC 187: Johnson vs. Cormier | Loss – Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) Round 3 |
| Hector Lombard | UFC 182 – Jones vs. Cormier | No Contest (Overturned by NAC) Round 3 |
| Tyler Stinson | WSOF 9 – Carl vs. Palhares | Win – KO (Punch) Round 1 |
FAQs
1. Who is Josh Burkman?
Josh Burkman is a retired American mixed martial artist born on April 10, 1980, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He competed in the Welterweight division and fought in organizations like the UFC, World Series of Fighting (WSOF), and XFC. Known as “The People’s Warrior,” he had a professional MMA career spanning over 15 years.
2. What sports did Josh Burkman play before MMA?
Before pursuing MMA, Josh Burkman was a multi-sport athlete. In high school, he excelled in football, baseball, and wrestling. He later played college football at Snow College and Dixie State College, where he earned JUCO All-American honors as a running back.
3. How did Josh Burkman start his MMA career?
Josh Burkman transitioned to MMA after leaving college football. He made his professional debut in 2003 and quickly gained attention by competing ten times in his first year. His early success led to his participation in The Ultimate Fighter 2 and subsequent UFC debut.
4. What is Josh Burkman’s most notable UFC moment?
One of Burkman’s most memorable UFC moments was defeating Sammy Morgan via knockout in just 21 seconds during The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale. This victory marked an explosive start to his UFC career.
5. Did Josh Burkman hold any titles during his career?
Josh Burkman did not win a major championship in the UFC but gained recognition for defeating top fighters like Jon Fitch in WSOF via guillotine choke in just 41 seconds. He also competed for the WSOF Welterweight title but lost to Steve Carl.
6. What is Josh Burkman’s fight record?
Josh Burkman had a professional MMA record of 28 wins, 18 losses, and 1 no-contest. His victories included knockouts, submissions, and decisions against notable opponents across various promotions.
7. Why did Josh Burkman leave the UFC?
Josh Burkman was released from the UFC in 2008 after three consecutive losses. He later returned to the promotion in 2015 following a successful stint in other organizations like WSOF, where he rebuilt his career.
8. What is Josh Burkman doing after retirement?
After retiring from MMA in 2019, Josh Burkman co-owns a martial arts and gymnastics facility with his wife. They also manage a nonprofit organization called Healing Hands, which offers movement and breathwork training to help children with physical and mental challenges.
9. What challenges did Josh Burkman face during his career?
Josh Burkman faced physical injuries like herniated discs and mental struggles that impacted his performance. He took time off to heal physically and spiritually, emphasizing personal growth and resilience throughout his career.
10. What is Josh Burkman’s legacy in MMA?
Josh Burkman’s legacy lies in his resilience, versatility, and commitment to excellence both inside and outside the cage. Known for his dynamic fighting style and memorable victories, he remains respected as a dedicated athlete who balanced competition with personal growth and family life.
