Michael Dufort has carved out a reputation as “The Canadian Badass” in the lightweight division, combining slick submissions with relentless pressure. As of 2025, his net worth sits around $200,000, reflecting earnings from Cage Titans, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and sponsorships.
This article covers his personal background, early and professional journey, relationship details, contract and salary insights, career earnings, endorsements and key fight stats.
Michael Dufort’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Dufort |
| Date of Birth | January 9, 1994 |
| Age | 31 years |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Weight Class | Lightweight (155 lbs) |
| Turned Professional | March 17, 2012 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $200,000 |
| Salary/Career Earnings | Not publicly disclosed |
| Relationship Status | Unknown |
| Children | None reported |
| Instagram Profile | @michaeldufort.mma |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Michael Dufort’s athletic roots trace back to his childhood in Sorel, Quebec, where hockey provided his first taste of competition. By his mid-teens, he discovered mixed martial arts and became fascinated by the strategic blend of striking and grappling.
At 18, he made his professional debut on March 17, 2012, under regional banners in Canada. His first contest saw him testing a rear-naked choke that set the tone for his future submission prowess.
Over the next several years, Dufort balanced victories and setbacks, building experience with every outing. Competing in promotions like FIGHT4PRIDE Championship and LAMMQ, he learned to cope with pressure, refine his ground game and sharpen his striking.
A rear-naked choke win in his second professional fight gave him confidence, while an early decision loss taught him resilience. Transitioning to Hybrid Pro Series and TKO Fight Night events, he cemented his reputation as a dangerous submission artist, adding guillotine and arm-triangle finishes to his arsenal.
Training at H2O MMA under coach Richard Ho, he focused heavily on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, eventually earning his black belt. Weekly sparring sessions emphasized fight IQ and endurance over brute force, and Dufort developed a knack for reading opponents’ movements.
By late 2017, he had a slender but growing record, with most wins ending in submission. That period laid the groundwork for his breakthrough at Cage Titans, where a mix of regional experience and unwavering work ethic prepared him to step onto larger stages.
Professional Career
Dufort’s breakthrough arrived when he signed with Cage Titans FC, capturing the lightweight title in September 2023 via a rear-naked choke against Joe Giannetti. That victory signaled his readiness for global competition and earned him a call to the PFL Challenger Series in early 2022. There, he submitted Arut Pogosjan in the opening round, showcasing relentless composure against a hungry opponent.
Earning a spot in the 2024 PFL regular season, Dufort debuted on April 12 with a guillotine choke finish over former UFC fighter Mads Burnell. His performance combined sharp strikes to set up takedowns and lightning-quick transitions on the ground, proving he could hang with top-level talent.
On June 21, he faced Adam Piccolotti and landed more strikes overall but lost a split decision, shaking his head at the judges’ call. Still, other fight outcomes pushed him into the semifinals as the third seed.
In his PFL playoff semifinal on August 16, Dufort squared off with Gadzhi Rabadanov, fighting under the bright lights in Las Vegas. Despite his best efforts and strategic attempts to counter wrestling entries, he suffered a TKO defeat in the first round.
Each step taught him new lessons about pacing and risk management in a grueling four-fight, seven-month PFL season. Alongside training partner and two-time PFL champion Olivier Aubin-Mercier, Dufort continues honing his blend of technical striking and submission savvy for future campaigns.
Michael Dufort’s Net Worth Details
Michael Dufort’s net worth is estimated to be $200,000 as of 2025.
Endorsements
Dufort partners with local and national brands that align with his active lifestyle. He represents his home gym H2O MMA, sports physiotherapy clinic NXT G Physio, and select nutrition supplement lines.
His social media presence and reputation for disciplined training also attract regional apparel sponsors and fight gear companies seeking authentic representation in the Canadian MMA community.
Career Records
| Opponent | Event | Result | Method | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gadzhi Rabadanov | PFL 8: 2024 Playoffs | Loss | KO (Punches) | Aug 16, 2024 |
| Adam Piccolotti | PFL 5: 2024 Regular Season | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | Jun 21, 2024 |
| Mads Burnell | PFL 2: 2024 Regular Season | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | Apr 12, 2024 |
| Joe Giannetti | Cage Titans 61 | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | Sep 23, 2023 |
| Luis Pena | AFS 16 | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | Apr 22, 2023 |
FAQs
1. What is Michael Dufort’s fighting style?
Michael Dufort blends technical striking with elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning a black belt under H2O MMA. He sets up takedowns with crisp punches and kicks, then transitions quickly into submissions like guillotines and rear-naked chokes. This versatile approach allows him to adapt whether he’s standing or on the ground.
2. When did Dufort begin his professional MMA career?
Dufort launched his pro career on March 17, 2012, at age 18. Early fights in Canadian regional promotions like FIGHT4PRIDE and LAMMQ helped him build foundational skills. By focusing on high-level training and learning from each bout, he gradually amassed the experience needed to compete internationally.
3. How did Dufort earn his PFL contract?
After capturing the Cage Titans lightweight title in 2023, Dufort received an invitation to the PFL Challenger Series. He submitted opponent Arut Pogosjan in the opening round, impressing scouts and earning a multi-bout deal. His streamlined path from regional champ to PFL era reflects his readiness for elite competition.
4. What are Michael Dufort’s major career highlights?
Key highlights include winning the Cage Titans FC lightweight belt in 2023 and submitting former UFC veteran Mads Burnell during his PFL debut in April 2024. Qualifying for the PFL playoffs despite a split-decision loss to Adam Piccolotti and training alongside two-time PFL champion Olivier Aubin-Mercier also bolster his résumé.
5. Who trains and coaches Michael Dufort?
Dufort hones his skills at H2O MMA in Montreal under coach Richard Ho. He regularly trains with Olivier Aubin-Mercier, whose PFL success provides firsthand insights into fight-week preparation. Strength and conditioning guidance comes from local sports physiotherapists, ensuring he remains in peak form.
