Mike Wilkinson, known to fans as “The Warrior,” is an English mixed martial artist who made his mark in the UFC’s featherweight division.
A standout on The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes, Wilkinson built a reputation for his grit and heavy hands, most notably scoring a spectacular knockout against Niklas Bäckström in Stockholm. While he is no longer active in the UFC, his tenure in the promotion remains a significant chapter in British MMA history.
In this article, you will know Mike Wilkinson’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship details, and what he is doing now.
Mike Wilkinson’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mike Wilkinson |
| Nickname | The Warrior |
| Date of Birth | September 15, 1987 |
| Age | 38 |
| Hometown | Leigh, Greater Manchester, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | Featherweight (145 lbs) |
| Turned Pro | 2009 |
| Net Worth | $100,000 – $150,000 (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | ~$100,000+ (Estimated) |
| Wife/Partner | N/A |
| Team | Atherton Submission Wrestling |
| Instagram Profile | Private / Not Active Publicly |
Early Career
Mike Wilkinson’s journey into combat sports began with rugby league, a popular sport in his hometown of Leigh. However, seeking a new challenge, he transitioned to “catch-wrestling” and mixed martial arts. He trained at Atherton Submission Wrestling (ASW), a gym known for producing tough, grappling-heavy fighters.
Wilkinson quickly proved to be a natural, amassing a perfect undefeated record on the regional circuit in the UK. His aggressive style and 7-0 professional record earned him a spot on The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes in 2012, a reality show that pitted UK fighters against Australian fighters.
Although he was eliminated early in the tournament due to an injury, his potential was undeniable. The UFC saw enough promise to sign him, giving him a chance to compete on the finale card despite not making it to the finals.
Professional Career
Wilkinson made his official UFC debut in December 2012 against Brendan Loughnane at UFC on FX: Sotiropoulos vs. Pearson. In a gritty, hard-fought battle between two future stars, Wilkinson secured a unanimous decision victory, proving he belonged on the world stage.
However, his momentum hit a snag in his next bout when he was submitted by Rony Jason in Brazil. The defining moment of Wilkinson’s career came in October 2014 at UFC Fight Night 53 in Stockholm, Sweden. Facing the heavily favored home-crowd hero Niklas Bäckström, Wilkinson played the role of spoiler perfectly.
He delivered a stunning first-round knockout that silenced the arena and earned him a massive $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus. This victory remains one of the most memorable upsets by a British fighter on foreign soil. His final UFC appearance was against Makwan Amirkhani in London in 2016.
The build-up was intense, with Amirkhani engaging in personal trash talk, but Wilkinson ultimately lost the fight via unanimous decision.
After his release from the UFC, he fought once more in 2017 for the ACB promotion, losing a rematch to Brendan Loughnane before stepping away from active professional competition.
Mike Wilkinson’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Mike Wilkinson’s estimated net worth is between $100,000 and $150,000. His wealth was primarily generated during his UFC tenure, particularly from his significant bonus win in Sweden. Since retiring from high-level competition, he has transitioned into personal training and coaching.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event | Year | Estimated Payout | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brendan Loughnane | ACB 54 | 2017 | ~$5,000 – $10,000 | Loss (KO) |
| Makwan Amirkhani | UFC Fight Night 84 | 2016 | ~$12,500 ($10k Show + $2.5k Reebok) | Loss (UD) |
| Niklas Bäckström | UFC Fight Night 53 | 2014 | ~$70,000 ($10k Show + $10k Win + $50k Bonus) | Win (KO) |
| Rony Jason | UFC on Fuel TV 10 | 2013 | ~$8,000 | Loss (Sub) |
| Brendan Loughnane | UFC on FX 6 | 2012 | ~$16,000 ($8k Show + $8k Win) | Win (UD) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Activity | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-2017 | 2 Fights | ~$20,000 |
| 2014 | 1 Fight (Bonus Year) | ~$70,000 |
| 2012-2013 | 2 Fights | ~$24,000 |
| Total | Career | ~$114,000+ |
Endorsements
During his UFC career, Wilkinson received sponsorship money through the UFC’s Reebok (now Venum) outfitting policy, which totaled $2,500 for his final fight.
As a regional standout in the UK, he also had support from local brands and fight gear companies like Bad Boy and Atherton Submission Wrestling affiliates. In his post-fighting career, his income is derived from his work as a personal trainer.
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record / Detail |
|---|---|
| Professional Record | 9-3-0 |
| Wins by Knockout | 3 |
| Wins by Submission | 4 |
| Wins by Decision | 2 |
| UFC Record | 2-2 |
| Best Performance | KO vs. Niklas Bäckström (Performance of the Night) |
FAQs
1. What is Mike Wilkinson’s nickname?
Mike Wilkinson’s nickname is “The Warrior,” a nod to his gritty fighting style and willingness to engage in tough battles.
2. Is Mike Wilkinson still in the UFC?
No, Mike Wilkinson is no longer in the UFC. He was released from the promotion in 2016 following his loss to Makwan Amirkhani.
3. What is Mike Wilkinson doing now?
Mike Wilkinson has transitioned away from professional fighting and works as a personal trainer and coach, helping others achieve their fitness goals.
4. Did Mike Wilkinson win a UFC bonus?
Yes, he won a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his spectacular first-round knockout of Niklas Bäckström in 2014.
5. What happened between Mike Wilkinson and Makwan Amirkhani?
The two had a heated rivalry leading up to their fight in 2016. Amirkhani famously trash-talked Wilkinson, saying his girlfriend was the only impressive thing about him. Amirkhani eventually won the fight by unanimous decision.
