Reza Madadi, known as “Mad Dog” in the world of mixed martial arts, is a retired Iranian-Swedish fighter who made a significant impact in the lightweight division.
His career spanned over a decade, during which he competed in various promotions, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
This article will teach you about Reza Madadi’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Reza Madadi’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Reza Madadi |
| Nickname | “Mad Dog” |
| Born | June 20, 1978 |
| Age | 45 |
| Reach | 73.0 in (185 cm) |
| Religion | – |
| Nationality | Iranian-Swedish |
| Height | 5’11” (180.34 cm) |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Salary | Varied per fight |
| Wife | Kate (married) |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @rezamaddog |
Early Career
Reza Madadi’s journey in combat sports began at age 15 when he started wrestling.
His dedication to the sport paid off as he won the Swedish championship in both 2002 and 2003, excelling in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling.
In 2006, Madadi made the transition from wrestling to MMA, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his athletic journey.
Professional Career
Madadi’s professional MMA career kicked off in 2006, and he quickly made a name for himself in various fighting organizations.
He competed in promotions such as Strike And Submit (SAS), Superior Challenge (SC), and Furious Fighting Championship (FFC).
In 2011, Madadi reached a significant milestone by becoming the Superior Challenge Lightweight Champion after defeating former UFC fighter Rich Clementi.
His promotional debut was delayed due to injuries, but he finally made his UFC debut on April 14, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV 2.
Wife
Reza Madadi is married to Kate. Together, they have 2 sons:
Their first child was born in 2013. Sadly, Madadi missed the birth of this son due to his imprisonment. Their second child was born in 2015.
Reza Madadi’s Net Worth Details
Reza Madadi’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025.
Contract
Madadi’s last known contract was with the UFC. After his fight against Joaquim Silva at UFC Fight Night 109 in May 2017, Madadi chose not to renew his contract with the promotion.
Following this, he signed a multi-fight contract with Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB), but his planned fight with the organization was canceled due to financial issues.
Fight Purses
| Event | Purse | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UFC on Fuel TV 9 | $60,000 | Submission of the Night bonus for win over Michael Johnson |
| UFC Fight Night 109 | $5,000 | Reebok sponsorship pa |
Career Records
| Opponent | Event | Result | Method | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joaquim Silva | UFC Fight Night 109 | Loss | Decision (Split) | May 28, 2017 |
| Joseph Duffy | UFC Fight Night 107 | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | Mar 18, 2017 |
| Yan Cabral | UFC Fight Night 87 | Win | TKO (Punches) | May 8, 2016 |
| Norman Parke | UFC Fight Night 76 | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | Oct 24, 2015 |
| Michael Johnson | UFC on Fuel TV 9 | Win | Submission (D’Arce Choke) | Apr 6, 2013 |
FAQs
1. What is Reza Madadi’s most significant UFC victory?
Madadi’s submission win over Michael Johnson at UFC on Fuel TV 9 in 2013 is often considered his most significant UFC victory.
2. How did Reza Madadi transition from wrestling to MMA?
After a successful wrestling career, including Swedish championships in 2002 and 2003, Madadi made the switch to MMA in 2006, leveraging his grappling skills in his new combat sport.
3. What challenges did Madadi face during his MMA career?
One of the most significant challenges Madadi faced was a legal issue in 2013 that resulted in a prison sentence, temporarily halting his UFC career.
4. What was Reza Madadi’s fighting style?
He was known for his takedowns, ground control, and submission attempts, complemented by improved striking skills as his career progressed.
5. How many times did Reza Madadi compete in the UFC?
Madadi competed in the UFC six times between 2012 and 2017, facing opponents such as Yoislandy Izquierdo, Michael Johnson, and Joseph Duffy.
6. What is Reza Madadi doing after retirement?
After announcing his retirement in May 2019, Madadi expressed his intention to focus on coaching mixed martial arts, sharing his experience with upcoming fighters.
7. Did Reza Madadi win any championships during his MMA career?
Yes, Madadi won the Superior Challenge Lightweight Championship in 2011 and the X-Fight FC Welterweight Championship earlier in his career.
8. What was Reza Madadi’s nickname and its origin?
Reza Madadi’s nickname was “Mad Dog.” The origin of this nickname is not publicly known, but it likely relates to his aggressive fighting style.
9. How did Madadi’s Iranian-Swedish background influence his MMA career?
As one of the few Iranian-Swedish fighters competing at the highest level of MMA, Madadi helped increase diversity in the sport and potentially inspired other athletes from similar backgrounds.
10. What was Reza Madadi’s last fight in professional MMA?
Madadi’s last professional MMA fight was against Joaquim Silva at UFC Fight Night 109 on May 28, 2017, which he lost by split decision.
