Sarah Kaufman is one of the most respected pioneers in women’s mixed martial arts. As the first Canadian woman to win a major MMA world title, she paved the way for future generations of fighters.
A former Strikeforce and Invicta FC Bantamweight Champion, Kaufman competed against the absolute best in the world, including Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, and Amanda Nunes.
In this article, you will know Sarah Kaufman’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Sarah Kaufman’s Biography
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sarah Elizabeth Kaufman |
| Date of Birth | September 20, 1985 |
| Age | 40 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Weight | 135 lbs (Bantamweight) |
| Turned Pro | 2006 |
| Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 Million (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | ~$350,000+ (Disclosed Purses) |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @sarahkaufmanmma |
Early Career
Before she became a world-class fighter, Sarah Kaufman was dedicated to a completely different discipline: dance. She joined a dance company at a young age and performed everything from jazz to ballet.
This background gave her exceptional footwork and balance, which would later translate seamlessly into her striking game.
Kaufman began training in kickboxing in her hometown of Victoria, British Columbia, initially just for fitness. Her competitive spirit quickly took over, and she transitioned to MMA.
She made her professional debut in 2006, winning her first fight by knockout. She quickly tore through the regional circuit in Canada, amassing an impressive undefeated record that caught the attention of major American promotions.
Professional Career
Kaufman’s career skyrocketed when she joined Strikeforce. In 2010, she made history by defeating Takayo Hashi to become the first Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion.
She successfully defended her title against Roxanne Modafferi with a spectacular slam knockout, a highlight that remains iconic in women’s MMA history.
After Strikeforce was absorbed by the UFC, Kaufman continued to face elite competition. She fought Ronda Rousey for the Strikeforce title in 2012 and later competed in the UFC’s bantamweight division.
Following her UFC tenure, she signed with Invicta FC, where she captured the Bantamweight Championship in 2018. She later moved to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2019, reaching the semifinals of the lightweight tournament.
Kaufman officially announced her retirement from MMA in June 2022, ending her career with a stellar record of 22 wins and 5 losses.
Sarah Kaufman’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Sarah Kaufman has an estimated net worth between $500,000 and $1 Million. While she was a world champion, her prime years occurred before the massive fighter pay explosion in the late 2010s. Her wealth comes from fight purses, win bonuses, and her current coaching endeavors.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Reported Payout (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| PFL 1 (2019) | Morgan Frier | $25,000 (Show/Win) |
| Invicta FC 29 | Katharina Lehner | $20,000+ (Estimated) |
| UFC Fight Night | Alexis Davis | $22,000 |
| Strikeforce | Ronda Rousey | $17,000 – $25,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (Est.) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | ~$50,000+ (PFL Season) |
| 2018 | ~$40,000+ (Invicta Title Run) |
| 2015 | ~$35,000 (UFC Bouts) |
| Total Career | ~$350,000 – $500,000 (Disclosed) |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Pro MMA Record | 22-5-0 (1 NC) |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 10 |
| Wins by Submission | 2 |
| Wins by Decision | 10 |
| Championships | Strikeforce, Invicta FC Bantamweight |
FAQs
1. When did Sarah Kaufman retire from MMA?
Sarah Kaufman officially announced her retirement from mixed martial arts on June 30, 2022. She retired with a professional record of 22 wins, 5 losses, and 1 no-contest.
2. Was Sarah Kaufman a UFC champion?
No, Sarah Kaufman was not a UFC champion, but she was the inaugural Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion. She later fought for the Strikeforce title against Ronda Rousey but lost via submission.
3. What is Sarah Kaufman doing now?
Since retiring from professional competition, Sarah Kaufman has transitioned into coaching. She teaches kickboxing and martial arts classes in her hometown of Victoria, British Columbia.
4. Did Sarah Kaufman ever fight Ronda Rousey?
Yes, Sarah Kaufman fought Ronda Rousey on August 18, 2012, for the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Championship. Rousey won the fight in the first round by armbar submission.
5. What is Sarah Kaufman’s net worth?
Sarah Kaufman’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million in 2026. Her earnings primarily came from her fight purses in Strikeforce, the UFC, Invicta FC, and the PFL.
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