Roger Zapata, known by his nickname “Viva,” is a professional mixed martial artist who has made a name for himself in the welterweight division.
In this article, you will learn about Roger Zapata’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Roger Zapata’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Roger Zapata |
| Nickname | “Viva” |
| Age | 38 |
| Born | May 9, 1986 |
| Reach | 1.88 m (74 inches) |
| Weight Class | Welterweight |
| Nationality | United States |
| Net worth | $1 million |
| Salary | Varies per fight |
| Wife/Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | – |
Early Career
Roger Zapata’s journey in mixed martial arts began relatively late compared to many of his peers.
He first stepped into a boxing gym at age 22, marking the beginning of his combat sports journey.
Zapata had always enjoyed wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which provided a solid foundation for his MMA career.
Professional Career
Roger Zapata made his professional MMA debut on February 26, 2011, at Reality Fighting: Mohegan Fight Night 2.
In his first professional bout, he faced Chip Moraza-Pollard and emerged victorious via unanimous decision after three rounds.
This win set the tone for Zapata’s early career and showcased his potential in the sport.
He competed in promotions such as Reality Fighting and Warrior Nation XFA, steadily improving his skills and gaining valuable experience with each fight.
Roger Zapata’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Roger Zapata’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million.
Fight Purses
| Date | Event | Opponent | Base Pay | Win Bonus | Total Purse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 26, 2015 | UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson | Shinsho Anzai | $10,000 | $0 | $10,000 |
| Jul 3, 2014 | TUF 19 Semifinal | Dhiego Lima | $5,000 | $0 | $5,000 |
| Jan 5, 2013 | Reality Fighting: New Year’s Bash | Jason Ward | $3,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| Sep 22, 2012 | Reality Fighting: Mohegan Fight Night 7 | Erik Sommer | $2,500 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Aug 24, 2012 | WNFXA: Warrior Nation XFA 4 | Josh Mellen | $2,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| Jun 10, 2011 | CFFC 9: Beach Brawl | Mike Wade | $1,500 | $0 | $1,500 |
| Feb 26, 2011 | Reality Fighting: Mohegan Fight Night 2 | Chip Moraza-Pollard | $1,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 |
Fight Records
| Opponent | Date | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinsho Anzai | Sep 26, 2015 | UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson | Loss (TKO – Doctor’s Stoppage) |
| Dhiego Lima | Jul 3, 2014 | TUF 19 Semifinal | Loss (Submission – Armbar) |
| Ian Stephens | Nov 8, 2013 | TUF 19 Quarterfinals | Draw (Majority) |
| Tyler Minton | Oct 16, 2013 | TUF 19 Elimination Fights | Win (TKO – Punches) |
| Chip Moraza-Pollard | Jun 8, 2013 | Reality Fighting – Mohegan Sun | Win (Unanimous Decision) |
| Mike Wade | Jun 10, 2011 | CFFC 9: Beach Brawl | Loss (Unanimous Decision) |
FAQs
1. Who is Roger Zapata and what is his background in MMA?
Roger Zapata is a Dominican-American mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC’s welterweight division. Born in Santo Domingo, he began training in MMA at age 22, combining his high school wrestling experience with boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Before joining the UFC, he fought in regional promotions like Reality Fighting and Warrior Nation XFA, often in small venues such as bars and banquet halls.
2. What is Roger Zapata’s professional MMA record?
Zapata holds a professional MMA record of 5 wins and 2 losses. Four of his victories came by knockout, showcasing his striking prowess, while one win and both losses were decided by judges’ decisions. His UFC record stands at 0-1 after a single fight in 2015.
3. What was Roger Zapata’s most notable UFC fight?
His sole UFC appearance was at UFC Fight Night 75 in 2015 against Shinsho Anzai. The fight ended in a third-round TKO due to a hand injury sustained by Zapata during a striking exchange. Despite the loss, the bout highlighted his resilience in enduring nearly three rounds of combat.
4. How did Roger Zapata perform on The Ultimate Fighter Season 19?
As a semifinalist on The Ultimate Fighter 19 (Team Penn), Zapata defeated Tyler Minton via second-round TKO and battled Ian Stephens to a controversial majority draw in the quarterfinals. He was ultimately eliminated by Dhiego Lima via first-round armbar in the semifinals.
5. What injuries impacted Roger Zapata’s career?
Zapata faced significant setbacks, including a broken arm during TUF 19 and a fractured orbital bone caused by a sparring accident with Chad Laprise. These injuries delayed his UFC debut by over a year and contributed to his eventual hiatus from active competition.
6. What were Roger Zapata’s strengths and weaknesses as a fighter?
Known for his footwork, counter-striking, and clinch knees, Zapata excelled in stand-up exchanges. However, analysts noted weaknesses in takedown defense, lack of one-punch knockout power, and a tendency to fight at a slow pace, which limited his effectiveness against grapplers.
7. Where did Roger Zapata train during his MMA career?
He trained primarily at Renzo Gracie Latham in New York and Montreal’s Tristar Gym, working with coach Fahim Ahmadzai. At Tristar, he sparred with elite fighters like Georges St-Pierre and Rory MacDonald, refining his striking and defensive techniques.
8. What is Roger Zapata’s personal life and background?
Raised in Albany, New York, Zapata credits his mother—a hardworking immigrant holding two jobs—as his inspiration. He balanced MMA with a career as a police officer and became a father in 2014, often expressing dedication to providing for his family through fighting.
9. Why did Roger Zapata retire from MMA?
While no official retirement announcement exists, Zapata’s last recorded fight was in 2015. Persistent injuries and a lack of UFC re-booking likely contributed to his exit from professional competition. His social media and public updates post-2015 remain sparse.
10. What legacy does Roger Zapata leave in MMA?
Though his UFC tenure was brief, Zapata is remembered for his gritty performances on The Ultimate Fighter 19 and his determination to overcome career-threatening injuries. His story underscores the challenges regional fighters face in reaching and sustaining success at the sport’s highest level.
