Mike Brown is a former UFC featherweight fighter and current MMA coach known for his grappling skills and technical approach to fighting.
This article will teach you about Mike Brown’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Mike Brown’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Thomas Brown |
| Nickname | “The Machine” |
| Born | September 8, 1975 |
| Age | 48 |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| College | Norwich University |
| Religion | – |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1-2 million |
| Salary | Varied per fight (no longer active) |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Jen Brown |
| Instagram Profile | @mikebrownmma |
Early Career
Mike Brown began his martial arts journey with wrestling in high school and college. He transitioned to MMA in the early 2000s, making his professional debut in 2001.
Brown honed his skills on the regional circuit, competing in various promotions across New England.
His early career was marked by a mix of victories and losses as he developed his style, combining his wrestling background with improving striking skills.
Professional Career
Brown’s breakthrough came when he joined the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) in 2008.
He shocked the MMA world by defeating the heavily favored Urijah Faber to win the WEC Featherweight Championship.
Brown successfully defended his title twice before losing it to José Aldo in 2009.
While he never reached the same championship heights in the UFC, Brown remained a respected veteran known for his toughness and technical skills.
Wife
Mike Brown is married to Jen Brown.
Mike Brown’s Net Worth Details
Mike Brown’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-2 million as of 2025.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen | Steven Siler | $46,000 |
| UFC 146 | Daniel Pineda | $36,000 |
| UFC 133 | Nam Phan | $36,000 |
| UFC 125 | Diego Nunes | $26,000 |
Endorsements
- Hayabusa: MMA equipment and apparel company.
- Xyience: Energy drink brand (common sponsor for UFC fighters at the time).
- TapouT: MMA clothing brand (before UFC’s uniform deal with Reebok).
Fight Records
| Opponent | Result | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urijah Faber | Win | WEC 36 | November 5, 2008 |
| Urijah Faber | Win | WEC 41 | June 7, 2009 |
| José Aldo | Loss | WEC 44 | November 18, 2009 |
| Manvel Gamburyan | Loss | WEC 48 | April 24, 2010 |
| Leonard Garcia | Win | WEC 39 | March 1, 2009 |
| Yves Edwards | Win | BodogFIGHT: Clash of the Nations | December 16, 2006 |
| Genki Sudo | Loss | UFC 47 | April 10, 2004 |
| Jeff Curran | Win | WEC 34 | June 1, 2008 |
| Masakazu Imanari | Loss | DEEP – 22 Impact | December 2, 2005 |
| Hermes Franca | Loss | HOOKnSHOOT – Kings 1 | November 17, 2001 |
FAQs
1. Who is Mike Brown in combat sports?
Mike Brown is a former MMA fighter, two-time WEC Featherweight Champion, and current head coach of American Top Team (ATT). Known for his wrestling-heavy fighting style, he transitioned to coaching after retiring in 2014 and now mentors UFC stars like Dustin Poirier and Alexandre Pantoja.
2. What is Mike Brown’s background in wrestling and MMA?
Brown began wrestling at Bonny Eagle High School in Maine, winning a state championship in 1992. He later wrestled at Norwich University before turning pro in MMA in 2001. His grappling expertise became a cornerstone of his fighting career.
3. What were Mike Brown’s notable achievements in the WEC?
Brown became WEC Featherweight Champion in 2008 by defeating Urijah Faber via first-round TKO. He defended his title twice, including a rematch victory over Faber and a submission win against Leonard Garcia. His reign ended in 2009 when he lost to José Aldo.
4. How did Mike Brown transition from fighting to coaching?
After retiring in 2014 due to injuries, Brown shifted focus to coaching full-time at ATT, where he had trained as a fighter. His deep understanding of MMA strategy and firsthand experience as a champion made him a natural mentor for rising fighters.
5. Which UFC fighters has Mike Brown coached?
Brown coaches a roster of elite fighters, including Dustin Poirier, Alexandre Pantoja, Bo Nickal, Mateusz Gamrot, Renato Moicano, and Bellator champions like Johnny Eblen. His coaching has helped multiple athletes secure UFC titles.
6. What is Mike Brown’s MMA record?
Brown retired with a professional MMA record of 26 wins and 9 losses, including 5 knockouts and 13 submissions. Key wins include victories over Urijah Faber (twice), Jeff Curran, and Cole Province.
7. What were Mike Brown’s key fights in the UFC?
After the UFC-WEC merger in 2010, Brown fought notable opponents like Diego Nunes and Rani Yahya. His UFC highlights include unanimous decision wins over Nam Phan (2011) and Daniel Pineda (2012).
8. How did Mike Brown become the head coach of American Top Team?
Brown joined ATT as a fighter in the mid-2000s and gradually transitioned to coaching. His success in developing fighters and strategic insights led to his promotion to head coach, where he now oversees training programs and fight preparations.
9. What is Mike Brown’s coaching philosophy?
Brown emphasizes adaptability, fight IQ, and leveraging his own experience as a world champion. He prioritizes individualized training plans and is known for his obsessive dedication, often analyzing fight footage late into the night.
10. Has Mike Brown officially retired from MMA fighting?
Yes. Brown last fought in 2013 and confirmed his retirement in 2014 after withdrawing from a bout due to injury. He has since focused entirely on coaching, calling it a “natural progression” in his combat sports journey.
