Miguel Baeza, affectionately known as “Caramel Thunder,” has experienced the highest highs and challenging lows within the relentless arena of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Bursting onto the scene with a flawless record and highlight-reel knockouts, he quickly became a welterweight prospect to watch. However, recent years have tested his resolve against the division’s elite.
As fans eagerly await his next move inside the octagon, many are curious about the financial side of his fighting career.
In this article, you will know Miguel Baeza’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Miguel Baeza’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Miguel Baeza |
| Nickname | Caramel Thunder |
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1992 |
| Age | 33 |
| Education | High School (Davie, Florida) |
| Nationality | American (Puerto Rican Heritage) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2015 |
| Net Worth | $500,000 – $750,000 (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | ~$450,000+ (Disclosed Purses & Bonuses) |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Private / Not Publicly Listed |
| Instagram Profile | @caramel_thunder92 |
| Twitter Profile | @MiguelBaeza_ |
Early Career
Miguel Baeza’s journey into martial arts began in Davie, Florida, where he was surrounded by a rich culture of combat sports.
Unlike many fighters who transition from wrestling or boxing, Baeza developed a well-rounded mixed martial arts game early on, training at the renowned MMA Masters gym.
His amateur career was a testing ground where he honed his striking accuracy and grappling defense. He turned professional in 2015, competing in regional Florida promotions like Titan FC.
During his rise on the regional circuit, Baeza maintained an unblemished record, showcasing a dangerous combination of length and power.
He utilized his 6-foot-2 frame to keep opponents at bay, punishing them with leg kicks and straight punches. His dominance in the local scene eventually caught the attention of UFC matchmakers.
In June 2019, he received the opportunity of a lifetime to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series. Facing Victor Reyna, Baeza displayed poise beyond his years, securing a unanimous decision victory that earned him a UFC contract and signaled his arrival to the big leagues.
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Professional Career
Baeza’s entry into the UFC was nothing short of spectacular. He made his promotional debut against Hector Aldana in October 2019, securing a second-round TKO that validated the hype surrounding him.
However, it was his second fight that truly put him on the map. Facing the legendary Matt Brown, a veteran known for his durability and violence, Baeza delivered a stunning performance.
He weathered an early storm to knock Brown out in the second round, earning a “Performance of the Night” bonus and proving he could hang with established names. He followed this up with an arm-triangle submission win over Takashi Sato, extending his unbeaten streak to 10-0.
The trajectory of his career shifted in 2021 when he faced Santiago Ponzinibbio in what became an instant classic. The two engaged in a brutal war that earned “Fight of the Night” honors.
Despite fighting valiantly and damaging Ponzinibbio’s legs, Baeza lost a unanimous decision, marking the first defeat of his professional career.
Following this setback, Baeza entered a difficult stretch, suffering losses to power punchers like Khaos Williams and Andre Fialho, as well as a decision loss to Punahele Soriano in 2024.
Despite the skid, he remains a dangerous competitor with the skills to turn any fight around, and 2025 stands as a pivotal year for him to rebuild his momentum in the welterweight division.
Miguel Baeza’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Miguel Baeza has an estimated net worth between $500,000 and $750,000. His wealth has been accumulated primarily through his UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, and sponsorship deals.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Year | Event | Estimated Purse (Show + Win + Bonus) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 2024 | UFC Louisville | ~$32,000 | Loss |
| Andre Fialho | 2022 | UFC Fight Night 205 | ~$36,000 | Loss |
| Khaos Williams | 2021 | UFC Fight Night 197 | ~$26,000 | Loss |
| Santiago Ponzinibbio | 2021 | UFC Fight Night 189 | ~$75,000 (Includes $50k FOTN Bonus) | Loss |
| Takashi Sato | 2020 | UFC on ESPN 18 | ~$74,000 (Includes $50k POTN Bonus) | Win |
| Matt Brown | 2020 | UFC on ESPN 8 | ~$74,000 (Includes $50k POTN Bonus) | Win |
| Hector Aldana | 2019 | UFC Fight Night 161 | ~$20,000 | Win |
Career Earnings
| Year | Activity Level | Estimated Gross Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 1 Fight | ~$32,000 |
| 2022-2023 | 1 Fight | ~$36,000 |
| 2021 | 2 Fights | ~$101,000 |
| 2020 | 2 Fights | ~$148,000 |
| 2019 | 2 Fights (Inc. DWCS) | ~$30,000 |
| Total | Career | ~$347,000+ |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record / Detail |
|---|---|
| Professional Record | 10-4-0 |
| Wins by Knockout | 7 |
| Wins by Submission | 1 |
| First Round Finishes | 2 |
| Significant Strike Accuracy | ~48% |
| Grappling Accuracy | ~35% |
| Fighting Style | Striker / BJJ Black Belt |
FAQs
1. What is Miguel Baeza’s nickname and why?
His nickname is “Caramel Thunder.” It was given to him by his teammates at the gym early in his career, referencing his skin tone and the heavy power in his strikes.
2. How tall is Miguel Baeza?
Miguel Baeza stands at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) tall, which is considered very tall for the welterweight division, giving him a significant reach advantage over many opponents.
3. Is Miguel Baeza still in the UFC?
Miguel Baeza is still on the UFC roster, though he is looking to bounce back from a losing streak to secure his place in the promotion.
4. Where does Miguel Baeza train?
He trains at MMA Masters in Miami, Florida. He has been with this team for the majority of his career, training alongside other high-level fighters like Colby Covington and Ricardo Lamas.
5. What is Miguel Baeza’s ethnicity?
Miguel Baeza is of Puerto Rican descent. He proudly represents his heritage and often carries the Puerto Rican flag during his walkouts or post-fight celebrations.
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